Hon STUART NASH (Minister for Small Business): The Government has taken decisive and considered action to support small businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, the wage subsidy scheme has paid out more than $10.6 billion to more than 1.7 million workers. Of this, almost $6 billion has gone to small businesses and around 363,000 of their workers. Our $3 billion loss carry-back scheme, put into law last week, will start paying out in the coming days to support viable businesses with cash flow to help meet operating costs. The scheme has had hundreds of applications in the first few days, and this will rise as taxpayers re-estimate their income. These measures are being complemented by the Small Business Cashflow (Loan) Scheme, changes to the loss continuity rules, and $29 million for consultancy services that small businesses can access. This week, we launched the business cash-flow tool on Business.govt.nz. In fact, as well as the COVID19.govt.nz website, I would encourage all businesses to take a look at the Business.govt.nz website. All of these measures are designed to keep as many New Zealanders in work as possible and cushion the blow on small businesses.