Victoria outlines $250 million business package as federal government rejects calls for new JobKeeper for workers

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the current federal government measures are sufficient.

“We have four ongoing measures which are supporting Victorians. One is the pandemic leave disaster payment of $1500. Two: is the national health emergency crisis payment. “Three, of course, there is the ongoing business support of the loss carryback program for any business which may make a loss during this financial year, where they can receive a rebate against profits from previous years.

“Then, of course, there are the immediate expensing measures.”

He said the Commonwealth funds directed to support Victoria so far, $45 billion, is “far and away from the highest per capita economic support to any state and territory”.

The Victorian government on Sunday announced its much-anticipated support package to help businesses survive the seven-day shutdown.

The $250 million package includes $190 million in $2500 grants for businesses, $40.7 million in $3500 for liquor license and food certificate holders, and $20 million for event operators.

It expects 90,000 small to medium-sized businesses and sole traders to be eligible for the payments.

In outlining the support plan, Treasurer Tim Pallas said he was disappointed that requests for contributions from the federal government were refused.

“The Commonwealth’s view is that if these are short-term circuit breakers, then the states should pay for them,” Mr. Pallas said. “Well, we are paying. We are paying substantially, and I don’t think working people should be paying.” Mr. Pallas said the new package is more extensive than provided during the state’s snap lockdown in February.

“It’s the single biggest package on a pro-rata basis that this state or any state has provided,” he told reporters on Sunday. Treasury estimates Victoria’s seven-day lockdown will punch a $700 million hole in the economy. Still, Mr. Pallas would not be drawn to extending the package if it drags out past Thursday.

“It is hurting businesses. It is hurting the workforce,” he said.

“We understand that we should assist and support them. That is exactly what we are doing.” After publicly lobbying the state government for immediate support, industry groups welcomed the package, although some fear it might not be enough. “Compared with the cost to business from the lockdown, the relatively small amount of support offered will be quickly swallowed up if the lockdown continues beyond a week,” Australian Industry Group Group Victorian head Tim Piper said. COVID-19 testing facility in Melbourne on 27 May 2021. ” src=”https://sl.sbs.com.au/public/image/file/ce709eba-bf02-4008-a197-a822be1825b7″ alt=”Healthcare workers at the Albert Park COVID-19 testing facility in Melbourne on 27 May 2021. ” width=”700″ height=”467″ />

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra added that the federal government urgently needed to follow suit with a JobKeeper-like wage subsidy.

“When Australians needed support in 2020, state and federal governments were there. Now is not the time for the feds to abandon Victorians,” he said.

Trade and Tourism Minister Dan Tehan said casual workers without work did not have COVID-19 and are not in close contact and therefore cannot claim the paid pandemic leave – “could go to Centrelink”.

“And if you’re eligible, you’ve lost a complete week’s work or two weeks work, then you might be eligible for these emergency health payments,” he told ABC’s Insiders.

“For those who find themselves in circumstances where they have completely lost their income. Then they should go to Centrelink and see whether their eligibility for payments.”