Australian rental chain Kennards Hire plans to spend nearly AU $2 million on bonuses to staff despite the current economic slump, according to Australian press reports. The family-owned business, which has about 70 branches in Australia, plans to give about 600 workers bonuses worth about $3,000 in what it calls its own “fiscal stimulus” plan.

Kennards Hire chief executive Peter Lancken said the company’s board of directors, recognizing the current economic instability, decided that, given the company’s strong financial position, it was a good time to show employees they were valued.