Businesses will receive additional financial support as Victoria's snap lockdown is extended another week.
Acting Premier James Merlino today said another $209 million will be added to a support package for operators in hospitality, retail, events and creative industries.
"If you are restricted to one week, then it is a $2500 grant," Mr Merlino said.
"If you are restricted to the two weeks of this lockdown period, then you are eligible for $5000."
FOLLOW LIVE: Melbourne restrictions extended
READ MORE: Lockdown extended in Melbourne for further seven days
Building on the $250.7 million support package announced last Sunday, the new allocation of up to $209.3 million will flow to small and medium-sized businesses, taking the total support package to $460 million.
The funding is coming entirely from the state's coffers, with Mr Merlino doubling down on comments he has made throughout the week criticising the federal government for not stepping in.
The acting premier said if the Commonwealth failed to act it "would be an incredibly poor reflection on the federal government and their support for Victorian businesses and Victorian workers".
"Victorian workers are crying out for support ... we are doing all that we can," Mr Merlino said.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Melbourne's extended lockdown
He said the Victorian government was implementing broader support for welfare, including working with food banks and other welfare agencies to ensure "the people doing it incredible tough" had assistance.
"We are putting all the support that we can," Mr Merlino said.
"The ball is in the Federal Government 's court. Victorian businesses, Victorian workers are demanding that they respond."
Mr Merlino said he hoped Canberra would chip in.
"That is what the treasurer is advocating for, and what I am advocating for. I am hopeful of a positive outcome."
READ MORE: Victoria's COVID-19 exposure sites spiral past 350
The state government has formally renewed its request for JobKeeper support for Victorian workers.
Applications open tomorrow
Melbourne remains under the strict "circuit-breaker" lockdown for another seven days but regional Victoria has been given permission to ease restrictions from Friday.
Businesses in regional Victoria must check the IDs of everyone they serve, including restaurants and beauty salons.
Service Victoria's QR requirements will be mandatory for all retail settings including supermarkets.
Mr Merlino said businesses could apply for financial aid from tomorrow.
"To make sure that businesses need only apply once and that they get their full payment in one go, the applications will now open tomorrow rather than today as planned," he said.
Applications for the package will be open until 11.59pm on Thursday, 24 June 2021.
On Sunday the government announced a $250.7 million scheme designed to help businesses hit hard by the snap lockdown.
Mr Merlino and treasurer Tim Pallas said at the time the state had been denied assistance.
"Victorian workers need support and that is where we needed Canberra to come to the table, and I am very sorry to say that they have refused to do that," Mr Merlino said.
Mr Pallas said the Commonwealth had forgotten Victorians.
"It would be really good if the self-styled party of the workers actually did some work for working people and provided them with the assistance that they need, indeed, that they require," Mr Pallas said on Sunday.
"I am angry and I am disappointed."
READ MORE: Where to get mental health care during Victoria's COVID-19 lockdown
Up to 90,000 businesses will be eligible for the grants, with about 70,000 located in Melbourne.
Regional businesses that are unable to open due to ongoing restrictions, such as nightclubs and amusement parks, will also be eligible for the extension payment.
Metropolitan businesses that will have restrictions eased from Friday will not be eligible for the extension payment.
Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund grants of $3500 for businesses holding an eligible liquor licence and food certificate will be doubled to $7000 for eligible venues in Melbourne.
from 9News https://ift.tt/3g0nL85
via IFTTT
0 Comments