Victorian Business

Melbourne 4 September 2021 New Victorian business funding just announced by Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg MP, this morning will trigger a collective sigh of relief for struggling business owners across Victoria. However, more is needed and businesses need a detailed plan on how and when Victorian business can open-up safely and permanently.

Victorian Senator David Van said he is glad to see the Premier is finally listening to the desperate calls for more economic support but an open-for-business plan is what Victorian business owners are waiting to see.

Senator David Van said a more comprehensive plan is needed, like the one proposed by Victorian Chamber of Commerce Paul Guerra’s suggested strategy which represents a clear, unambiguous and workable plan.

“It is a plan that has clear milestones. It gives the business community hope and gives the public assurance on safety as it follows the National Plan’s framework based on the Doherty Institute’s modelling,” he said.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce’s plan proposes four phases that cover the immediate opening for business in Victoria’s regions that have had no trace of COVID-19 for 14 days to allow for the resumption of safe trade.

Following that, it suggests opening Victoria to pre lock-down stage five restrictions once the population has reached 70 percent vaccination levels. 

At 80 per cent of first dose vaccination levels, the State Government could offer hope by shifting to pre-lockdown stage five restrictions with density limits of 25 per cent and government support tapering off. 

“I commend the plan proposed by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce. It is a sensible and workable plan for the state’s businesses to come out of lockdown as it actually gives businesses a fighting chance and a framework to lean on,” the Senator said.

“We need to allow business to begin to open up as soon as soon as 70 percent first vaccination rates are achieved, in a safe and measured manner — with density limits.

“Unless [Andrews] releases his own plan immediately, the Premier must adopt this one if he truly wants to support the 600,000 small businesses across the state. 

“In the past 18 months I have worked closely with the small business sector, particularly in the hospitality and events sectors and they are all of one voice that without a plan and better financial support many will not come out of this.”

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