Coronavirus: Daniel Andrews told ‘show us your money’ for support

Business calls for JobKeeper 2.0 top ups as Scott Morrison demands Daniel Andrews outlines his economic support plan.

Scott Morrison has called on Daniel Andrews to stump up, saying he’ll wait to see the Victorian Premier’s economic support plan before considering federal measures. Picture: Martin Ollman

Scott Morrison has demanded Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews outline his economic plan to help businesses and families through the state’s “severe” extended lockdown before unveiling any further federal government support.

The Prime Minister’s push for Mr Andrews to stump up came as desperate industry groups called on the state government to commit to topping up JobKeeper 2.0 payments to the original $1500 rate, if it refused to budge on the road map outlined on Sunday.

Business also wants warehouses staffed at full capacity, the state government to pay any outstanding rent for companies forced to close, extra hardship payments and payroll tax exemptions, as they warn thousands of employers and employees will lose jobs as a result of the harsh lockdown.

With Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox declaring Victoria would be a “basket case for years” following the release of the four-step road map, Mr Morrison said he would look at what the Andrews government was pledging before considering what commonwealth response was required.

“I’m not talking about infrastructure here, I mean, of course they’ll do that,” Mr Morrison said.

“But when it comes to specific economic support, income support or other forms of support that they consider is appropriate to deal with the consequences of the decisions the Victorian government is taking, I’ll be looking to see what they’ll be doing first before the commonwealth considers any responses.”

Restaurant and Catering chief executive Wes Lambert said if the road map, which has been widely panned by industry groups, was not going to change, the Andrews government had to open up the purse strings to ensure heavily affected industries survived.

The accommodation and food services industry in Victoria is set to lose much of its peak spring and summer trade, with expectations it would have leftover cash in 2021. “Businesses are calling for a Victorian-specific JobKeeper top up to make up the difference as the state remains in a JobKeeper 1.0 economic environment,” Mr Lambert said.

JobKeeper payments for full-time workers will decrease from $1500 per fortnight to $1200 from September 28, while employees who work less than 20 hours a week will get $750 per fortnight.

Council of Small Business of Australia chief executive Peter Strong endorsed Mr Lambert’s proposal, suggesting states should start paying for JobKeeper “where they’re the state that have caused the problem”.

Australian Retailers Association chief executive Paul Zahra said the Andrews government should consider a payment to retail staff ineligible for JobKeeper.

“We have examples currently where national retailers based in Victoria that are trading 25 per cent down, hence not eligible for JobKeeper 2.0, will be standing down their staff. This is devastating for some families prior to Christmas,” Mr Zahra said.

“Whatever the financial support level, it needs to be determined quickly … we are dealing with lives, livelihoods and severe mental health challenges here. Many businesses will feel ready to throw in the towel at this point.”

Ai Group Victorian head Tim Piper said JobKeeper’s extension for businesses that demonstrate a turnover reduction of at least 30 per cent in the September quarter “will help contain the damage to a degree” but extra support was needed. Mr Andrews has promised to outline more support for business soon.