Bushfire crisis expected to further sap confidence in the Australian economy

Fires the latest in a string of bad economic news, Deloitte says, as government extends $2bn package to businesses

Businesses damaged by bushfires will be eligible for additional grants of up to $50,000 in the latest pledge from the Morrison government's $2bn disaster relief package.

Businesses will also be able to access concessional loans of up to $500,000 if they have suffered significant loss of revenue or asset loss, opening the door to those indirectly affected by a business downturn rather than fire damage.