Support for businesses during lockdown

The Victorian Government will provide new cash grants for businesses affected by the short lockdown necessary to get ahead of the Delta strain, so they can have a strong recovery on the other side of the public health restrictions.

Automatic payments will be made to eligible businesses and sole traders across the state to minimise delays and swiftly get money into the pockets of businesses who need it most.

Premier Daniel Andrews said at his press conference on Friday: “No one wanted to be here, but Victorians know we must take decisive action to drive this virus down – so we’re in this situation for days, not months.

“People start needing support from day one – hour one – of a lockdown. We know this is tough on Victorian businesses and we’re standing with them, just as we’ve done from the very start of the pandemic.”

Up to 90,000 businesses that have and will receive payments through the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund and Business Costs Assistance Program relating to the May-June lockdown will receive the Victorian Government’s new support payments of $3,000 and $2,000 respectively.

Payments are due to commence over the course of this week – with total funding of $201.8 million. Eligible businesses will include restaurants, cafes bars, event suppliers, tourism and accommodation providers and nonessential retailers.

The Victorian Government has also reached agreement with the Commonwealth Government to fund income support payments from day one of the lockdown.

Workers affected by the public health restrictions are now eligible for the same payments afforded by the Commonwealth to New South Wales workers:

• Payments of $600 will be made to Victorians that lose 20 hours or more of work during the period of the lockdown

• Payments of $375 will be made to individuals that lose between 8-20 hours of work during the period of the lockdown

• There is no liquid assets test applied to receive these payments.

Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula and Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford said it was critical to help local businesses to ensure their longevity.

“Local businesses across Victoria are the backbone of our economy.This critical support will make sure business owners can weather this new challenge and recover strongly,” Mr Pakula said.

“Victoria’s small businesses have been important players in this fight for 18 months, and they continue to do the right thing to protect the community. We know it’s really hard and we thank each and every one of them,” Ms Pulford added.

The Federal Government will fund payments for those Victorians who work or live in a COVID-19 Hotspot declared by the Commonwealth – that includes Greater Melbourne, Moorabool Shire, the City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe and the Surf Coast Shire.

The Victorian Government will fund payments for Victorians who live outside of these areas but are still subject to the lockdown.

All applications can be made through the Services Australia at www.servicesaustralia. gov.au.