MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster has written to Prime Minister Scott Morrison pleading for more support for regional businesses, which continue to suffer due to ongoing restrictions and border closures.
The Federal Member for Mallee said while Thursday’s announcement of the temporary COVID-19 disaster payment would be welcome news for many in metropolitan Melbourne, struggling regional businesses were ineligible to receive assistance.
“The Victorian Government continues ongoing restrictions on hospitality, indoor physical activity, and other industries in regional Victoria,” Dr Webster wrote in a letter seen by Sunraysia Daily.
“For example, John Hollywood owns four Club Aquarius gyms in Mildura. His 30 staff continue to be out of work while restrictions on gyms continue. His liability is $25,000 per week.
“The Irymple Hotel cannot open its main bar due to density restrictions, and eight staff will continue without work.
“Hundreds, if not thousands of people will be out of work in regional towns, just like those in Melbourne. This is not fair and does not reflect the reality of the hardship being experienced in the regions.”
The Victorian Government has announced a $460 million support package it says will help 90,000 businesses with payments up to $7000.
And a Federal Government initiative, announced on Thursday, will provide payments of up to $500 for Victorians unable to work because of the extended lockdown in hot spots.
But Small Business Australia executive director Bill Lang said the payments didn’t go far enough.
“Victorian small business owners are being crucified and asked to bear an enormous cost for the health of the nation,” Mr Lang said.
“They must be compensated for the losses they are suffering.”
Dr Webster said eligibility for the new support payments from the Morrison Government would depend on an area being designated a Commonwealth determined hot spot.
“The fact is, despite the relaxed restrictions in regional Victoria, many thousands of regional Australians will be out of work next week, who would otherwise be eligible for this payment if they lived in Melbourne,” she said.
“Compounding these issues are new border restrictions from other state governments that are unnecessarily restricting the movement of regional Victorians once more.
“Our regions are treated with disdain and punished by the state government of Victoria. We do not need to add salt to the wound and leave businesses and individuals out in the cold.
“We urge your reconsideration of the assistance provided to Melbourne for businesses who remain restricted for no good reason.”
