Today’s list of business closures and restrictions will be devastating for 250,000 Victorian workers who face losing their jobs and many small businesses that face closure.
This will be a bitter pill to swallow. I feel for every Victorian whose life and livelihood will be affected by this decision through no fault of their own.
We need to support everybody who is affected by the Labor Government’s decision.
Small business will be particularly hard hit. Many shopping strips and High Streets will become ghost towns for at least 6 weeks.
Many will not recover.
I’m calling for the Labor Government to do more to support affected workers and small business through this.
Sole traders, in particular, have been left behind. The smallest of small businesses deserve extra support, not being ignored.
Today’s announcement is complex and confusing. Many questions remain unanswered.
So I’m also calling for a dedicated hotline where workers and business operators can get the answers they need.
These are very tough times made tougher by Labor Government mistakes which have led to the harshest lockdowns in our state’s history.
The least that the Labor Government can do is to let people know where they stand.
As a former small business person, I understand how tough it can be, even during good times. I have been inundated with calls from mum and dad business owners who are distraught. I want you to know I’m listening and I will stand by you.
This is a tough time. We will get to the other side, some with deeper scars than others. Keep fighting, just as I will, to make sure your voice is heard.
