Victorian business support and worker payments bolstered

A $282.5 million funding injection means 90,000 businesses and sole traders will now share in up to $484.3 million worth of support to help them through the current lockdown.

Under the new funding, eligible Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund recipients will receive $4200, taking their total payment to $7200, while Business Costs Assistance Program recipients will receive $2800, increasing the total grant to $4800.

Businesses that had previously chosen not to apply for support can apply for the new support payments.

“We’re making sure the businesses most affected by the lockdown have a chance to emerge from it in decent shape, so they can continue to play their vital role as employers and drivers of Victoria’s economy,” Mr Pakula said.

Additionally, funding of up to $25,000 will be available for public events organisers, $10,000 for event suppliers, and up to $7000 for live performers missing out on work.

Sporting clubs also get a shot at pulling back some lost money, with $2000 grants for cancelled or postponed community sport and recreation events up for grabs.

“Local clubs rely on annual and one-off events to fund their everyday operations, which benefits players, supporters and the wider community,” Community Sport Minister Ros Spence said.

“We’re proud to be backing these important organisations in tough times.”

The extra funding was announced on Wednesday, following the extension of Victoria’s lockdown for another seven days.

It is in addition to support for employees who have lost work due to the lockdown of up to $600 a week under the COVID-19 Disaster Payment.