Sole traders who run their business from home continue to be overlooked for financial support to help them stay afloat as harsh coronavirus restrictions smash incomes of Victoria’s smallest businesses.
The Andrews Labor Government’s latest business support package again fails to provide any funds for Victorians running their own business from home as a sole trader, like personal trainers, beauticians, and travel agents.
Strict eligibility criteria on Labor’s token $3,000 sole trader grant will stop many accessing desperately needed support. Only sole traders working from a permanent commercial location and in an industry that will be restricted or closed under the Second Step of the Roadmap can apply.
Member for Murray Plains and The Nationals leader, Peter Walsh, said without adequate support, more Victorian businesses will close.
“Sole traders on the verge of shutting their doors are getting the cold shoulder from the Andrews Labor Government,” Mr Walsh said.
“Many have had to shut down for months and will need lots of help to get back on their feet.
“The Andrews Labor Government’s failures in hotel quarantine led to the second wave and put hundreds of thousands of more Victorians out of work.
“Daniel Andrews didn’t do his job and without adequate support thousands more Victorians will never return to theirs.”
The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia says the Andrews Government’s roadmap out of lockdown is “economically and socially reckless” and will only cause more hardship for businesses.
Mr Walsh urged sole traders to get in touch with her electorate office to share their story.
“The Nationals will keep standing up on behalf of our sole traders. By collecting your stories, we can take these to government to fight for change,” he said.
“Small businesses are at the heart of a strong local economy.
“If the Andrews Labor Government genuinely wants to reverse the damage its second round of harsh lockdowns have had on small businesses it will immediately extend support to all sole traders.”
Sole traders can contact Peter to share their story on 5482 2039, peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au, or at Vicn.at/messagetodan.