More details of NT Government’s $50m business survival fund revealed

TOURISM, hospitality and entertainment businesses will be the focus of the NT Government’s new $50 million Small Business Survival Fund.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner addresses Territorians regarding the latest coronavirus updates. Picture: Che Chorley

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TOURISM, hospitality and entertainment businesses will be the focus of the NT Government’s new $50 million Small Business Survival Fund.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the fund would deliver grants to help keep businesses alive, even when they have to shut due to tough new coronavirus restrictions.

It comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison forced the mass closure of venues such as pubs, clubs and gyms in a move expected to effect up to quarter of a million workers across the country.

Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and delivery services only.

Applications for the survival fund will open on Friday and the Department of Business, Trade and Innovation will also be reaching out to affected businesses to discuss their eligibility for support.

More details on the application criteria will be released later this week.

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Hospitality NT CEO Alex Bruce said it was a sad day for businesses who had to close up on Monday, but the health of Territorians was paramount.

“The hospitality and tourism industry employs some 17,000 Territorians, so the impact of this shutdown is devastating,” he said.

“This closure comes at a huge financial cost. Our industry is hurting and we are doing everything we can to support them.”

In Darwin and Palmerston, there were huge lines of people outside Centrelink offices on Monday as the coronavirus lockout wiped out jobs.

Mr Gunner said the NT Government’s survival fund would be overseen by an advisory board of business leaders, chaired by Team NT Executive member Dick Guit.

He will be supported by tourism leader Michael Bridge, Chamber of Commerce NT president Karen Sheldon and Hospitality NT president Paul Palmer.

“Even with all of this, I know some businesses will close,” Mr Gunner said.

“I know jobs will be lost and I feel sick about that.

“I have agonised over these decisions and I know a many people will be asking why all of these restrictions are needed up here when the virus isn’t as bad up here?

“My big fear, the thing that is keeping me up at night, is the coronavirus wave is coming to the Territory.

He said they needed to take “extreme action” because securing the NT border wasn’t enough to keep Territorians safe.

“Up here we do not have the luxury of waiting for it to get worse,” he said.

“If I didn’t make these hard choices to save lives I would never forgive myself.”

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Mr Gunner asked Territorians looking to do their bit to keep local businesses alive to order takeaway.

“I am serious – at least a meal a day from a local joint,” he said.

“If you’ve got the dough for it, being the best Territorian you can be right now does mean eating takeaway.”