Service NSW and the NSW Police have collaborated to form Strike Force Sainsbery, dedicated to probing deceitful applications for COVID-19 micro-business grant payments in Sydney. This joint initiative aims to tackle the issue by focusing on uncovering and addressing fraudulent activities, specifically within the Sydney area, involving local accountants in Sydney as well.
These micro-business grant payments of $1,500 per fortnight were available to small businesses, sole traders, and not-for-profit companies, where revenue fell 30% or more during the lockdown.
From 20 September 2021, businesses were required to reaffirm their eligibility each fortnight to continue to receive the grant payments. Service NSW fraud and compliance investigators identified numerous anomalies in applications made during October 2021 and paused payments while the anomalies were investigated.
They have investigated applications worth $15.9 million and suspended fraudulent applications of $4.6 million from being paid. NSW Police have stated, “Let this be a warning to anyone who made a fraudulent application. It will not be long before we knock on your door!”.
If you believe that you may have an error in your COVID-19 business grant application and have received funds you are not entitled to, please get in touch with us to re-check your eligibility.
Author – Zane Grigg
*Correct as of 16 December 2021
Disclaimer – Kreston Stanley Williamson has produced this article to serve its clients and associates. The information contained in the article is of general comment only and is not intended to be advice on any particular matter. Before acting on any areas in this article, you must seek advice about your circumstances. Liability is limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation.
