Victoria Covid updates: $250 million support package announced

Victoria has announced a $250m package for businesses struggling during the lockdown, but will it be enough? This is who it will benefit.

Victoria’s Acting Premier James Merlino has announced a $250 million support package for businesses struggling during the seven-day lockdown.

Speaking at a press conference today, he said the package will be available for small and medium sized businesses, including sole traders, to help them get through this “very difficult time”.

It comes as five new locally acquired Covid-19 cases were recorded, bringing the state’s cluster to 40.

Mr Merlino said the new support package is bigger and broader than the one delivered back in February, and he expects around 76,000 businesses will be eligible for financial assistance.

He also lashed the Federal Government for ignoring requests for further assistance, amid concerns of further job losses.

“Victorian workers need support and that is where we needed Canberra to come to the table, and I am very sorry to say that they have refused to do that,” he said.

“We asked multiple times for the Federal Government to support workers during this period and the unrelenting answer has been, no.

“Victorian workers deserve more from the Federal Government and I am beyond disappointed that the answer from the Prime Minister and the Treasurer has been no.”

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Police speak to anti-vaccination and lockdown protesters in Melbourne. Picture: AFP

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas also called on the federal government to “step up to the plate”.

“You will hear a lot from the federal government about the need for us to work in partnership, well, we are not a silent partner,” he said.

“They like making speeches. They are not a tangible partner. We need them to step up to the plate. Workers need them, the community needs them.”

Mr Pallas said he was “angry and disappointed”.

The new state package includes:

• $190 million for $2500 grants for businesses whose staff could not work from home with a payroll up to $10 million, including sole traders who can’t work as a result of restrictions;

• $40.7 million for $3500 grants for the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund; and

• $20m Events Support Fund for businesses impacted by cancelled bookings and shows.

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Cleaning in progress at Arcare Maidstone aged care facility, the site of a covid case. Picture: NCA NewsWire