✦ Plain-English Summary

Assistance for Severely Affected Regions Bill 2020

What it does

The government set aside $1 billion to help communities, regions and industries hit hard by COVID-19's economic fallout. The money can fund things like helping businesses find new markets or suppliers, and supporting affected sectors recover.

Why it matters

During the pandemic's early stages, some regions and industries were disproportionately damaged—this fund gave the government a way to direct emergency support where it was needed most rather than spreading resources equally.

Key details

• $1 billion total appropriated from the public budget specifically for this purpose
• Came into effect the day after the bill received Royal Assent (essentially immediately)
• Time limit applied — payments had to be made within a set timeframe; the government couldn't leave money unspent indefinitely

Committee Referrals

Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills

No formal division recorded

This bill passed by voice vote — parliament agreed without calling a formal count. A division is only recorded when a member explicitly requests one.

No votes yet.

No votes were recorded for this bill.