Surviving the crisis:What to do

Need more business?  Having trouble with your debts, because of the global economic crisis?

Help is available on both fronts.  It’s just a matter of knowing where to look for it.

The Federal government’s stimulus package is the biggest game in town right now.  Especially for trades people.

Where, though, do you go to find out what work is available, and whether it would suit you?

Senator Mark Arbib, the Minister for Employment Participation, has some good advice on that.

He says businesses interested in work, or tradespeople interested in subcontracting should visit

australia,gov.au/economicstimulus and follow the links in State and Territory websites.

Then click on work opportunities.

That should give you a good idea of the work that is available in your area.

Senator Arbib said more than 280 primary school projects have already begun, under the latest stage of the government’s stimulation package.

That’s just the start.  There are also new projects, involving defence housing, road upgrades and much else besides.

What, though, if you have lost your job – and the debts are piling up, uncontrollably?

That is a grim situation for any person or family to face.

The earlier it is faced, though, the better.

And, once again, help is available.

The Treasurer, Wayne Swan, says Australia’s building societies, credit unions and banks have all signed up now to a set of principles meant to help borrowers who are in distress.

The options available will include:-

• postponing repayments
• longer contracts with smaller repayments
• interest only breaks on repayments and
• fee waivers.

Contact your lender first.