Isuzu Australia Limited: Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions

As we all know, the COVID-19 situation is not over and continues to have a bearing on our day-to-day lives. And by all reports, it will continue to do so for some time. In light of this, we acknowledge that it can sometimes be difficult to keep pace with the constant flow of information hitting us from multiple angles, from our news sources to our social media feeds. To help make the search for relevant information easier and more targeted, we’ve compiled some frequently asked COVID-19 queries covering Isuzu’s operations, the government’s stimulus package measures, as well as some suggestions around staying safe as movement and distancing restrictions continue to ease.

Isuzu Trucks

Are Isuzu Trucks dealerships still operating all services? Yes, Isuzu dealerships across the country are still open and in operation. Dealer truck and parts sales, as well as servicing are available. Contact your local Isuzu dealership to find out more. Have supply chains been affected? Is there any delay in parts and component supply? Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) is in constant dialogue with its parent company, Isuzu Motors Limited (Japan), and has put measures in place to assure the continued availability of parts for the Isuzu Trucks family in Australia. For more information regarding Isuzu’s management of its local and international supply chains, click here. What is Isuzu doing to contain the spread of COVID-19? Isuzu is continuing to take advice from the Australian government and health authorities regarding safe work practices and social distancing. Where remote work is not feasible, social distancing and sanitary procedures are in place. For more information, click here.

Stimulus packages

What stimulus package measures are in place at the moment? A range of measures are currently in place, designed to boost the economy and keep businesses ticking along. All businesses, including sole traders and small-to-medium business owners, can find financial support from various stimulus packages. To find out what’s applicable for you, click here. Can I utilise the increased instant asset write-off threshold in my next truck purchase? Yes, you can. The threshold for the instant asset write-off has been increased from $30,000 to $150,000, and this applies for new trucks first used or ready for use from 12 March 2020 to 30 June 2021*. Check out Isuzu Trucks ongoing promotions on its ever-reliable Ready-to-Work range, and see here for an example on how the increased instant asset write-off threshold can help you save in your new truck purchase. *For more information on this stimulus measure, click here. How does the Backing Business Investment measure (accelerated depreciation) work? Under the Backing Business Investment measure, eligible businesses can have the cost of depreciating assets deducted at an accelerated rate, resulting in earlier tax deductions. Read more about the Backing Business Investment here. Click here for an example on how the Backing Business Investment measure can help you save in your new truck purchase. When will these stimulus measures end? These stimulus measures are all time limited. The increased Instant Asset Write-Off is applicable to assets first used or installed ready for use between 12 March 2020 and 30 June 2021 (inclusive)*. The Backing Business Investment measure is applicable to eligible assets first used or installed between 12 March 2020 until 30 June 2021 (inclusive)*. *Please visit this government website for further information on COVID-19 stimulus measures and eligibility criteria. How can I insulate my business from the downturn? There’s a range of steps you can take to ensure your business is best placed to bounce back. We spoke to an expert financial advisor. Find out more here.

Easing COVID-19 restrictions

What are the current border closures and travel restrictions? Border closures and travel restrictions can change quickly, in line with each state or territory’s public health circumstances. For up-to-date information on current border closures and travel advice, click here. Interstate travel conditions are dependent on the state or territory you are visiting and leaving, and you may still be denied entry to, or be permitted to enter an area with conditions such as a 14-day self-quarantine or a compulsory 14-day log of your movements. However, essential workers such as truck drivers may be granted exemptions. For more information regarding restrictions that affect truck drivers, click here. Where can I find more information? Each state and territory’s lockdown measures are different and constantly changing to meet the demands of their own public health situation. Visit the relevant government website to find out more:

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• Western Australia
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Northern Territory
• Australian Capital Territory

COVID-19 safety

I work in freight and logistics, what can I do to minimise risk of infection? There are a number of strategies you can implement to minimise the risk of infection, as advised by the Department of Health. These are primarily based around personal hygiene and social distancing, and increased cleaning of surfaces you come into contact with. Read more about what you can do to prevent infection here. What can I do to keep customer interactions and my truck COVID-19 safe? Maintaining social distancing is the best measure you can take, as advised by the Department of Health. Keeping at least 1.5 metres away from others, and directing any coughing/sneezing into your elbow (or into a tissue and disposing of it) is best practice. Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, or using hand sanitiser, after touching anything or coughing/sneezing is also best. Wiping down and disinfecting your truck and load after interactions with unknown parties can also keep you and your customers safe. For tips on contactless delivery, click here. For more useful information, check out Truck Stops Operating Amidst COVID-19 to help plan your long-haul journeys.