We know that many of our small businesses rely on interstate and overseas visitation and trade, and have been impacted by the border restrictions we have had to put in place.
That’s why we acted swiftly to launch a jointly funded $20 million Business Support Package, aimed at providing much needed relief to Tasmanian businesses.
The program only opened just over a week ago and has already had more than 480 applications submitted, with 100 businesses approved for payment, and 51 businesses already having received funds. Most of these businesses were eligible for a $5,000 grant.
In fact the Small Business Council of Tasmania's Executive Officer, Mr Robert Mallett, says the feedback has been that this latest round of support has been welcomed.
"The $20 million package will provide relief for many small businesses who are struggling with the current border closures. The feedback I have received about the package has been extremely positive. I believe the criteria is generous and appropriate for the time," Mr Mallett said.
We have already provided more than $80 million in business grants since the COVID-19 outbreak, but we also acknowledge that there are businesses that fall outside the original eligibility criteria for this Border Closure Critical Support Grant Program.
As I said very clearly in Parliament this morning, we are using this feedback from businesses to inform how we can adapt the current program’s eligibility criteria to provide broader and practical support at this critical time, as well as the structure of future business support measures, noting that the program has only been open for a little over a week.
Therefore, we strongly encourage all impacted businesses to register their situation with Business Tasmania which can be contacted on 1800 440 026 or ask@business.tas.gov.au
This $20 million package forms part of our Government’s 4 Point Delta Shield Plan that will help keep our State safe and our economy strong as we continue to deal with the risks associated with the delta strain of COVID-19.
Labor should cut the rubbish and stop playing politics with our hard-working small businesses to score political points.