Liberal candidate for Bega, Dr Fiona Kotvojs, welcomed the NSW Government's billion dollar COVID business support package that will help local small businesses that were hardest hit by the Omicron wave.
The NSW Government package includes financial support for small business to buy rapid antigen tests to help keep their workers safe, and a new Small Business Support Program to assist businesses to help keep their workers employed.
Dr Kotvojs said the targeted package will help local businesses who have been doing it particularly hard after floods, bushfires, and a lack of tourists caused by the pandemic.
"As someone who runs three small businesses, I know how important this help will be for local businesses to get through the effects of the Omicron wave."
"Support with the costs of rapid antigen tests for their workers and the extension of the Commercial Landlord Hardship Grant, as well as the Small Business Support Program providing payroll assistance to businesses will be of great help," Dr Kotvojs said. "This package of measures is a good example of the strong, practical measures that the Government is providing to businesses to help them get through COVID and bounce back."
Premier Dominic Perrottet said while case numbers are now declining, the NSW Government is determined to support those businesses that have been most affected during this wave of the pandemic.
"NSW is tracking better than expected and confidence is returning. And as we did with earlier recoveries, we will come through this recent challenge stronger than ever," Mr Perrottet said.
"We've got the backs of businesses, as we have throughout this entire pandemic."
The Small Business Support Program helps those businesses with annual turnover of between $75,000 and $50 million with a decline in turnover of at least 40 per cent.
It provides eligible businesses a lump sum payment of 20 per cent of weekly payroll with a minimum payment of $500 per week and a maximum payment of $5,000 per week.
In addition, the existing Small Business Fees, Charges and RAT Rebate will be increased by 50% from the current $2,000 limit to $3,000 and employing businesses will be able to use the rebate to obtain RATs.
This will support worker availability by helping reduce costs to small businesses and enabling healthy staff who have been exposed to COVID-19, but test negative, to return to work.
