Victorian businesses debate leaving the state amid lockdowns

Restaurant owner Luke Stepsys says he would never have considered leaving his beloved Melbourne — until this latest lockdown.

Restaurateur Luke Stepsys says the latest lockdown has sparked serious dinner table conversations about a topic he never imagined would be raised – leaving his beloved Melbourne.

Mr Stepsys’ venues, the Panama Dining Room in Fitzroy and Feast of Merit in Richmond, will lose $140,000 over a two-week lockdown and get $7000 in government support.

The businesses, which employ between 50 to 100 workers, lost $250,000 in forward bookings within six-hours of the latest lockdown being extended

“My family has had serious discussions about waving the white flag, moving to Sydney and starting over,” Mr Stepsys said.

Panama Dining Room owner Luke Stepsys. Picture: Mark Stewart

“I don’t want to leave this city. I love this place. I’ve always had a love affair with Melbourne. I moved here from Tasmania to raise a family, start a business and make it my forever home but even my love affair with the city is starting to wane.

“I fear for everything that makes this city so great. It is at risk. We cannot continue this cycle of lockdowns. New South Wales have proven that a different model exists.”

Mr Stepsys had been looking to open two additional venues before Covid hit.

He is burning through those savings to keep his business afloat while any future investment is likely to be made in Sydney to provide an alternative income stream.

“I need to have at least one business that is not going to face financial ruin,” he said.

Mr Stepsys said speaking out against lockdowns drew criticism but he would not be silent as an industry which shaped Melbourne’s character was crushed.

Melbourne’s fourth lockdown has again emptied the city.

“Good for people who can work from home but they need to understand they are fortunate and when they hear from people like me I don’t need fingers pointed at me – I’m fighting for my community.

“Workers in my industry have been forgotten about. We’ve been forgotten about by a Labor government. The stress and uncertainty just eats away at you. Trolls can come at me but I won’t back down.”

Small Business Australia executive director Bill Lang said it was no surprise that business owners were leaving Victoria, or having detailed conversations about doing so.

“When you have a government willing to open and close your business at any time, placing the financial security of the business owner, their family and employees in great jeopardy, of course you are going to look at options to restore security to your business and life,” he said.

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