Victorian Government announces further assistance for businesses
The Victorian Government will provide new cash grants for businesses affected by the short lockdown as announced on Friday 16 July 2021.
These grants will be paid automatically to eligible businesses and sole traders across the state that have and will receive payments through the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund and Business Costs Assistance Program relating to the May-June lockdown and will receive the Victorian Government’s new support payments of $3,000 and $2,000 respectively.
Payments are due to commence over the next week – with total funding of $201.8 million. Eligible businesses will include restaurants, cafes bars, event suppliers, tourism and accommodation providers and non-essential retailers.
Support from the Federal Government
The Victorian Government has also reached agreement with the Federal Government to fund income support payments from day one of the lockdown.
Workers affected by the public health restrictions are now eligible for the same payments afforded by the Commonwealth to New South Wales workers:
- Payments of $600 will be made to Victorians that lose 20 hours or more of work during the period of the lockdown
- Payments of $375 will be made to individuals that lose between 8-20 hours of work during the period of the lockdown
- There is no liquid assets test applied to receive these payments.
The Federal Government will fund payments for those Victorians who work or live in a COVID-19 Hotspot declared by the Commonwealth – which includes Greater Melbourne, Moorabool Shire, City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe and the Surf Coast Shire.
The Victorian Government will fund payments for Victorians who live outside of these areas but who are still subject to the lockdown.
Further information
All applications for income support payments can be made through the Services Australia at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au. Further information for Victorian workers will be available through Services Australia’s website soon.
We are committed to supporting businesses during this challenging time. For further information or assistance, please contact your Bentleys advisor.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and should not be relied on as advice. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs and seek professional advice before making any decisions based on this information.
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