The Victorian Liberal Nationals are calling for the immediate extension of critical small business support to ensure they can continue to recover and rebuild.
Our local small businesses have endured the world's longest lockdown and are now being left to fend for themselves as staff absences spike and restrictions tighten once more.
We cannot leave small businesses and their staff to fall at the final hurdle and additional support is needed now.
Therefore, the Victorian Liberal Nationals are calling on the State Government to immediately extend the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme for a further three months until the 12th April 2022.
This scheme has provided small businesses with flexible support to manage one of their largest ongoing costs yet is due to end in only four days' time.
Furthermore, the State Government must commit to working with small businesses and provide additional support as required to so they can stay open and keep their staff in jobs.
Without this action, thousands of small businesses will face unafforded rent increases and additional costs just as new restrictions limiting patrons and services are enforced.
As stated by Shadow Minister for Small Business & Business Recovery, David Southwick:
"Vibrant small businesses mean vibrant communities and we can't leave family run cafes, retailers, restaurants and more alone to fall at the final hurdle.
"Our plan to extend rent relief and business support is crucial to keep the doors open and provide jobs for many struggling small businesses that are dealing with ongoing restrictions and staff shortages.
"CBD's and local shopping strips across the state are littered with for lease signs and empty shops as a result of uncertainty and lockdowns. Let's back our local small businesses to recover and rebuild."
