Businesses have been given more time to make statutory filings and fee payments to the Government.

The Ministry of Finance said that the deadline for filings and fees that companies had been unable to submit by the end of March because of government office closures and movement restrictions, would be extended to June 30.

Penalties and fees that would normally apply under sections 121 and 135 of the Companies Act 1981 have been waived.

In a statement, the Ministry of Finance said: “In taking note of the closure of government offices on March 19, 2020 and extension of the Shelter in Place, Government has instituted temporary emergency measures to assist local and permit companies that do not have the means to facilitate their statutory and fee obligations electronically.

“Statutory filings and fees payable by local companies and permit companies due on or before March 31, 2020 pursuant to the provisions of sections 121 and 135 of the Companies Act 1981 should, to the extent possible, have been submitted and paid by all companies.”

“In order to accommodate those companies who could not make submissions and payments electronically”, the deadline extensions for filings and fees, and the penalty waivers, would apply.

The Government will seek approval for the changes from MPs and senators.