In recognition of the heavy toll Lockdown Six will have on Victorian businesses and workers, the Victorian and Federal Governments have announced a $400 million package to support those impacted by the latest snap lockdown.  

“Decisive action is required to tackle this incredibly infectious strain of coronavirus, but we know it doesn’t come without a cost. This support will help the worst-affected businesses pay their bills and plan for a strong recovery,” said Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula. 

The latest round of support will be in addition to the packages already announced during previous lockdowns in Victoria, resulting in more than $950 million in support available for Victorian businesses since June. 

“Every step of the way since this global pandemic began, Victoria has not shirked its responsibility to back our business community – this is immediate and targeted support right now, when it is needed most,” said Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas. 

Some of the support measures offered to Victorian businesses and workers in the announcement on 6 August, include: 

• $266 million Business Costs Assistance Program Round Three grant 
• $68.8 million Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund extension 
• $54 million added to the Small Business COVID Hardship Fund 
• $10.6 million extension of the Alpine Business Support Program 
• Federal COVID-19 Disaster Payment 

 “Seeing our political leaders come together again to provide this much-needed assistance promptly creates certainty and will enable businesses and workers to get through this difficult period," said Chief Executive of the Victorian Chamber, Paul Guerra. 

“If we’re going to ask businesses to keep shutting down to stop the spread, we of course need to make sure that businesses are compensated accordingly - but the greatest weapon in our arsenal in the fight against COVID and the lockdowns and hardships that come with it, is the vaccine. If you are able to get the vaccine, please do so.” 

COVID-19 Disaster Payments 

Under the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment program, workers and some businesses will be able to receive a lump sum payment of $375 if they have lost less than 20 hours of work over the seven days of lockdown, $600 if more than 20 hours of work has been lost. This payment is available to full-time, part-time and casual workers. 

Businesses and sole traders that do not qualify for the Victorian Government’s support programs because they are not registered for GST will also be able to access the COVID-19 Disaster Payment. 

Payments will be administered through Services Australia, with Victoria assuming responsibility to fund payments in areas that have not been declared a ‘hotspot’ by the Federal Government. 

Business Costs Assistance Program - Round Three 

Under the program designed to support small and medium-sized businesses in sectors most-impacted by lockdown, businesses who received previous payments will automatically receive a grant of $2,800. 

It is estimated by the Victorian government that the package will support more than 90,000 businesses during Lockdown Six. 

For more details and criteria, the Business Victoria website is the best source of information. 

Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 

The $140 million Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund will be injected with a further $68.8 million to provide more than 8,900 Victorian licensed hospitality venues with additional payments. 

As announced during the previous round of support, the amount available to each business will depend on the patron capacity limit:  

• $5,000 per premises for venues with a capacity of 0-199 patrons    
• $10,000 per premises for venues with a capacity of 200-499 patrons  
• $20,000 per premises for venues with a capacity of 500+ patrons 

Small Business COVID Hardship Fund 

After $85 million was jointly put forward by the Victorian and Federal Governments less than two weeks prior, an additional $54 million will be added to the Small Business COVID Hardship Fund, allowing grants of up to $8,000 to be paid to small businesses that are not eligible for support under existing programs. 

For a business to be eligible for the support payment, businesses will need to be registered for GST and must demonstrate a reduction in turnover of greater than 70 per cent.  

More information on the Small Business COVID Hardship Fund will be available via the Business Victoria website soon. 

Alpine Business Support Program 

Struggling alpine businesses will now be able to receive a further $5,000 (off-mountain) and $20,000 (employing businesses, on mountain) payment as part of a $10.6 million extension of the Alpine Business Support Program. 

Alpine Business Support Program payments will be available to businesses in addition to payments received under the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund or Business Costs Assistance Program.   

More information  

For more information about what requirements are in place and what resources are available for your business, visit the Victorian Chamber’s COVID-19 resources page here.    

As always, the most up-to-date information about restrictions are available on the Victorian Government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) website. For information about how restrictions affect your business, visit the Business Victoria website.    

If you, as an employer or an employer’s representative feel unsure about what your organisation has in place or would like help in putting a plan in place, please do not hesitate to contact the Victorian Chamber’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) team on 03 8662 5196.    

Members can also call our Workplace Relations Advice Line on 03 8662 5222 to discuss their employment obligations and any issues that arise.    

Grant Finder  

The Victorian Chamber is excited to announce our latest service for our members: Grant Finder. Find every government grant and support available to help you build, grow, and expand your business.    

To learn more about the Victorian Chamber Grant Finder, you will be able to visit our dedicated webpage.  

Not a member? Join before 31 August to get your full membership fee back in bonus credits plus access to the Victorian Chamber Grant Finder.