Covid support package secured for new business after Mount Gambier man highlights government oversight

When his clients were locked out of Covid-19 support payments, a South East accountant stood up, became the voice of small business and demanded change.

By writing one letter, a South East man has successfully lobbied the state government to expand a support package for businesses impacted by the current Covid-19 restrictions.

Josh Lewis, a Mount Gambier accountant with a decade of experience said he was inundated with “deflated” clients whose business were ineligible for grant funding announced shortly after strict restrictions came into effect around Christmas.

“A couple (clients) we’re right on the cusp of that cut off time,” Mr Lewis said.

“They were very deflated and upset, because if they had made the decision (to begin) a month earlier, they would’ve qualified.”

With over half a dozen clients unable to access support Mr Lewis wrote sent a letter to the state government, treasury and Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell, calling for broader eligibility.

Mr Lewis “didn’t think” he would “get very far”, but within the hour he had a response.

“Troy’s office got in contact with me and said this is a very important issue,” he said.

Mr Bell contacted the government and Treasurer Rob Lucas and a week later the government announced it would include new businesses in the scheme.

A letter from Treasurer Rob Lucas to Mount Gambier accountant Josh Lewis. Picture: Supplied

Hospitality and tourism business which began trading after December 2020 with a 30 per cent drop in revenue and other sectors experiencing a 50 per cent drop qualify for the support.

Those that opened after that date need to show the loss over “the average fortnightly trading activity between when the business commenced and 30 November 2021”.

Mr Bell said “businesses have been through the ringer” and it was important to provide support.

“This is a great example of how our community can work together,” Mr Bell said.

Josh Lewis and Troy Bell celebrating at The Commercial Hotel after successfully lobbying the government to expand the eligibility criteria for business grant funding. Picture: Kate Hill

Mr Lucas said the issues raised demonstrated encouraging signs.

“Evidently there’s been a number of start-up businesses in the middle of the global pandemic,” Mr Lucas said.

Following the announcement Mr Lewis described the reaction of one client as “just relief”.

“A lot of them genuinely and desperately need it … they’re not just seeing it as a free money grab,” he said.

Under the guidelines the impacted revenue period is between December 27 and January 9.

However with density restrictions still in place, Mr Lucas was unable to confirm if more state funding would be allocated as businesses continue to be impacted.

“We will continue to monitor the ongoing impact, to look to see whether or not we might provide further assistance,” Mr Lucas said.