By Raquel Mustillo
THE State and Federal governments are having “urgent discussions” to determine whether a jointly funded financial assistance package can be rolled out to lower Limestone Coast businesses impacted by density and trading restrictions.
Treasurer Rob Lucas told The Border Watch that the State Government was in active discussions with its Federal counterparts to determine whether South Australia was eligible for a scheme which provides cash grants to businesses impacted by Covid-19.
Mr Lucas said, if approved, the scheme would be similar to the support grant provided to small businesses in the aftermath of the July lockdown, which provided cash grants of up to $3000 for traders that experienced a decline in trade.
Pending Federal Government approval, Mr Lucas hoped the State Government would make an announcement by the end of the week.
“(The scheme would be similar) to what we’ve done previously here in South Australia, albeit it was for the whole state,” he said.
“There are some other examples that we’re told in other states and territories where the Commonwealth Government has agreed to what’s called ‘localised assistance’ rather than whole state assistance.
“It might be seven days for some businesses, it might be four days trading depending on whether they normally trade on weekends and public holidays or not.”
Mr Lucas said the payments would be provided solely to businesses with employees who lose work due to restrictions not eligible for payments.
“(Income payments are) only if the Federal Government declares a hot spot which is when you go into lockdown and the Federal Government hasn’t declared anything a hot spot,” he said.
“If the business is getting some funding, well they might be able to keep on some of their employees for some of the time.
“But the only possible scheme which is possibly available is the business support scheme which is 50-50 funded by the Federal Government and the State Government.”
The high-level discussions precede Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell calling on the State Government to provide financial support for Limestone Coast businesses and tourism operators.
Mr Bell said he was pleased to hear discussions were underway but urged both the State and Federal Government to quickly provide reassurance to business owners.
The independent MP said localised restrictions strongly impacted businesses and tourism operators in the Mount Gambier, Grant and Wattle Range local government areas.
“These restrictions have unfortunately fallen at a time when our town is at full capacity with school holidays, major tourism and sporting events and community shows scheduled for the week ahead,” Mr Bell said.
“Having spoken with tourism operators this week, the fall-out from the announcement has been immediate with people cancelling accommodation and choosing to stay at home rather than head out to events.”
