Victorian workers and business owners will be eligible for bolstered lockdown support payments as the state government announced a further $282.5 million in business grants.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
It comes after the state's five-day snap lockdown was extended by seven days and 22 new coronavirus cases were recorded on Wednesday.
The package includes total payments of up to $7200 for licensed hospitality venues, $25,000 for public events suppliers and $7000 for live performances.
An additional $3000 will be added to the $15,000 grants available for Alpine businesses.
Community sports events that have been cancelled will receive $2000.
Small businesses not registered for GST can claim Commonwealth disaster payments.
Under recent amendments to the federal scheme, Victorian workers who have lost 20 or more hours of work will be eligible for $600 while those who lose eight to 20 hours will receive $375.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula said he understood the cash grants would not cover all financial losses, but the government would continue to support businesses through the lockdown extension.
"I understand that for businesses that are doing it really tough, every bit of support is important but it also doesn't cover all of their losses," he said.
"That's understood by the Government but we have provided $7 billion worth of support throughout this pandemic.
"We'll continue to support businesses as the need arises."
The state government's financial support package comes as a relief to Bohemia Cafe owner Stephen Hickman.
"It sounds like a decent amount," he said.
"I wonder what you have to do to get it. The bit I saw was very unclear, but we'll just have to wait and see because we don't know exactly what it will be but anything will help.
"We're losing money whichever way we go."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark https://www.standard.net.au/
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines and newsletters.
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
- Tap here to open our Google News page.
- Join our Courts and Crime Facebook group and our dedicated Sport Facebook group
- Subscribe