The Victorian Chamber advocated strongly for support for businesses and workers to flow immediately to compensate for Lockdown Five and is pleased that both Federal and State Governments have pledged that today. 

The Federal Government announced that the COVID-19 Disaster Payment of $375 per week will be immediately available to workers who have lost between eight and 20 hours of work and $600 per week for workers who have lost more than 20 hours of work, with no liquid asset test applicable.  

The State Government has also announced a $200 million targeted business support package which includes: 

• $2000 grants for businesses whose staff cannot work from home with a payroll up to $10 million, including sole traders who can’t work as a result of restrictions 
• $3000 grants for the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 
• Events Support Fund for businesses impacted by cancelled bookings and shows. 

The Victorian Chamber encourages members to apply for all the assistance they are entitled to and we will provide further information on how to do this at victorianchamber.com.au. 

This Victorian Chamber surveyed members on 14-15 July regarding the need for support. Of the responses from businesses: 

• 56 per cent recorded a reduction in revenue of more than 30 per cent during Lockdown Four; 
• 13 per cent accessed the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment during Lockdown Four; 
• Four per cent of businesses’ workers accessed the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment during Lockdown Four and 
• 75 per cent believe the NSW support package should be retrospectively applied to Victorian businesses. 

To be attributed to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra: 

“Today’s announcements mean that Victorian businesses and workers will receive support to help them get through this snap lockdown. 

“It was important to hear Premier Daniel Andrews announce so quickly immediate support for Victorian businesses and workers.  

“The changes that Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has driven to the Federal support package to enable assistance to flow immediately shows that he is listening to Victorians.  

“Seeing our political leaders come together to provide this much-needed assistance promptly creates certainty and will enable businesses and workers to get through this difficult period. We look ahead to next Wednesday with a real desire to snap back to last Wednesday’s trading conditions. And then from there, to avoid a sixth lockdown, our shared goal should be to see vaccinations increase at an accelerated pace.” 

Media contacts: Chanelle Pearson, 0423 883 945 & Ellana Katos, 0400 976 889  
Email: media@victorianchamber.com.au