NSW Government to distribute $100 vouchers to get Aussies Out & About
The NSW government will be handing out $100 worth of vouchers to be spent on dining and entertainment in a bid to help the sectors hardest hit by COVID-19.
The Out & About voucher scheme will distribute four $25 vouchers to all NSW residents over the age of 18. Two will be designated for restaurants, cafes and clubs, and two for entertainment venues such as cinemas and art galleries.
Importantly, the program does not allow for spending on retail products, alcohol, gambling or cigarettes.
The four vouchers cannot be combined and each voucher is single-use, meaning it will expire even if the cost of the outing is under $25.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the scheme will help revitalise small businesses across NSW, who have seen activity plummet due to social distancing measures and an erosion of consumer confidence.
“We want to encourage people to open up their wallets and contribute to the stimulus effect,” he said.
“The dining and entertainment industries were among the hardest hit by the pandemic and I would encourage people to use this scheme once it is up and running and to make sure they spend a bit extra on the way through too.”
RELATED: NSW government announces plans to phase out stamp duty
To be eligible for the voucher scheme, businesses must register with Service NSW and be designated COVID-safe.
The vouchers will be made available in early 2021 via the Service NSW mobile app. But a trial of the program is due to commence in the Sydney CBD in December.
The government could also take its cues from similar programs rolled out in the UK, in which use of vouchers is limited to less busy days throughout the week.
Has consumer confidence recovered at all?
The Out & About scheme aims to give small businesses the boost they need to escape the current downturn. But while some segments are still struggling, others are already picking up.
Commonwealth Bank’s latest Household Spending Intentions (HSI) report reveals that entertainment spending intentions saw an uptick in October, but travel, education, and retail spending intentions continued to flatline.
“Within the recreation sector good increases were seen in spending on boat rentals, bowling alleys, pay TV, digital books-movies-music & games, music stores and video arcades,” said CBA chief economist Stephen Halmarick.
For information about the assistance available to households, along with tips to keep your finances in good health amid the current crisis, browse our guide to coronavirus and your finances.
Savings account comparisons on Mozo - last updated November 28, 2020
Search promoted savings accounts below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure.
- MyState Bank
1.50% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
0.15% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Bonus rate when at least $20 is deposited each month and five Visa Debit transactions are made each month using linked Everyday or Glide transaction accounts.
CompareDetailsMyState BankBonus Saver Account
1.50% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
0.15% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Bonus rate when at least $20 is deposited each month and five Visa Debit transactions are made each month using linked Everyday or Glide transaction accounts.
Go to siteCompare - Bankwest
0.90% p.a. (for $0 to $250,001)
0.01% p.a.(for $0 to $5,000,000)
Yes up to $250,000
BankwestHero Saver
0.90% p.a. (for $0 to $250,001)
0.01% p.a.(for $0 to $5,000,000)
Yes up to $250,000
Minimum deposit of $200 and no withdrawals in the month.
Go to siteCompare - Up
1.10% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)
0% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Make 5 or more successful card purchases per calendar month using your Up debit card and digital wallets (ATM transactions excluded).
CompareDetailsUpSaver Account
1.10% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)
0% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Make 5 or more successful card purchases per calendar month using your Up debit card and digital wallets (ATM transactions excluded).
Go to siteCompare - Bank of Queensland
1.05% p.a. (for $1 to $250,000)
0.05% p.a.(for $1 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Ongoing bonus rate applied if in the previous month $1,000 or more is credited to the linked Day2Day Plus account and 5 eligible transactions are made by the linked account.
CompareDetailsBank of QueenslandFast Track Saver Account
1.05% p.a. (for $1 to $250,000)
0.05% p.a.(for $1 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Ongoing bonus rate applied if in the previous month $1,000 or more is credited to the linked Day2Day Plus account and 5 eligible transactions are made by the linked account.
Go to siteCompare - Citi
0.85% p.a. (for $0 to $500,000)
0.35% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
CitiOnline Saver
0.85% p.a. (for $0 to $500,000)
0.35% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
Go to siteCompare
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Accounts Awards
Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.
While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.
