On 20 March 2020, the ACT government announced the first tranche of its multi-stage economic stimulus package which prioritises support for small business owners, contractors and "gig" economy workers who were hit hardest to help the territory weather the coronavirus pandemic.

These initiatives are:

HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT

• $150 rebate on rate bills for every household (or $200 for those receiving utilities concession)

• Freezing car registration, public transport fares, and parking fees at current levels.

• $250 cash payment to public housing tenants.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

• Simple infrastructure works undertaken by contractors on public assets/buildings. $20 million

• $2,622 credit to commercial rate bills for businesses. Balance

• $750 rebate on the next electricity bill for small businesses.

• Deferral of payroll tax payments for 12 months for small businesses that pay $10 million or less wages.

• One-off 6-month waiver of payroll tax for affected industries.

• Waiver of taxi and rideshare fees.

• Waiver of food and liquor licence fees.

• Funding for clubs to retain casual staff.

• Re-deploying public sector staff in events or entertainment to maintenance works.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

• Bringing forward arts grant funding. $500k

• Funding for non-government organisations to meet the increased demand for social services. $7 million

• Additional funding for LifelineBalance