FINANCIAL support for businesses and a change to restrictions with more likely to include beauty services are positive moves from the Victorian Government.
Member for Mildura Ali Cupper said Sunday’s announcement of $3 billion in cash grants, tax relief and cashflow support for Victorian businesses was welcome as small businesses continue to struggle due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The Mildura electorate will move to Step 2 of the government’s roadmap for reopening at midnight Sunday which allows for small changes including five people being able to gather outdoors from two households, playgrounds and outdoor pools reopening.
Ms Cupper said it was encouraging to hear Premier Daniel Andrews continue to say regional Victoria could potentially move to Step 3 this week – which would allow pubs, restaurants and cafes to have outdoor dining with patron limits, no restrictions on the reasons to leave home and outdoor sport for people 18 and under among the changes.
“There are now only 52 active cases in regional Victoria with a 4.1 case average, so if those numbers hold I would be hopeful we can move into Step 3 within days,” Ms Cupper said.
“It was terrific to hear beauty services will now be able to reopen in Step 3 provided both the client and service provider can wear masks throughout the consultation.”
Ms Cupper said the changes showed the benefit of strong advocacy with some of the changes she had called for in her four-point plan for recovery coming to fruition.
“Extending support for business was a key part of my plan and it is needed especially in tourism and hospitality sectors,” she said.
Grants of between $10,000-$30,000 will be available for bars, restaurants, pubs, clubs and reception centres under the $251 million Licenced Venue Fund while 75,000 eligible businesses with payrolls up to $10m will receive grants of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 depending on their size.
“I was also encouraged to hear the Premier say announcements were coming soon about support packages for sole traders which have not been able to access the Business Support Fund grants to date,” Ms Cupper said.
“This is long overdue and will be hugely beneficial for the many sole traders who play such a crucial role in my electorate.”
