The Victorian Liberal Nationals are today renewing calls for additional financial support to ensure small businesses and the jobs they provide can continue to recover and rebuild.
Despite the recent impacts of the shadow lockdown which has seen significant drops in foot traffic, patronage and caused staff shortages across the state, Victorian small businesses have been fending for themselves since October 2021.
As a consequence, main streets remain covered in for lease signs and more than one in two small businesses in Melbourne’s CBD don’t think they’ll be operating in only three months’ time.
Earlier this week the New South Wales State Government announced a more than $1 billion support package for businesses and staff impacted by the recent Omicron outbreak.
This package included payments of up to $5,000 per week, $3,000 rebates for rapid antigen test purchases, further support for commercial landlords experiencing hardship and new measures to support the performing arts sector.
The Victorian State Government must now match this support package so Victorian small businesses do not fall even further behind.
Furthermore, the State Government must immediately adopt the Liberal Nationals’ plan to get business back on track by suspending QR code check-ins, lifting the work from home directive and removing density limits for hospitality and entertainment venues.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Small Business & Business Recovery, David Southwick:
“Small business and local jobs cannot be left to fall at the final hurdle and need support now.
“For weeks the State Government has ignored our calls to help struggling small businesses and workers through this incredibly difficult period.
“New South Wales has delivered a common-sense package that must be now matched by the Victorian State Government.
“A Matthew Guy Liberal Nationals Government will back small businesses to recover, rebuild and grow for the future.”
David Southwick MP
Shadow Minister for Business Recovery and CBD Recovery