Hospitality industry needs more government support: Labor

ANOTHER ROUND OF BUSINESS SUPPORT NOT RULED OUT: State Treasurer, Rob Lucas.

STATE Treasurer Rob Lucas has not ruled out another round of business grants for the hospitality and other industries impacted by government mandated Covid-19 density restrictions.

Mr Lucas said the State Government was continuing to monitor the impact density restrictions are having on businesses.

“We are looking at options for further assistance we can provide to impacted businesses,” Mr Lucas said.

He said the applications from the first round are still being processed and there was consideration as to whether to expand or change the eligibility for a possible second round.

“We are having a look at what further assistance we can provide over the coming weeks,” he said.

“We are mindful that the density restrictions are still there and haven’t been lifted.”

Mr Lucas said from the outset that the government would continue to monitor the impacts of density restrictions.

“If there is a further requirement for assistance – we will do so,” Mr Lucas said.

Labor leader Peter Malinauskas last week met with Mount Gambier local businesses to discuss the impact of Covid-19 restrictions.

In a whirlwind visit to the city, Mr Malinauskas said the hospitality sector should receive more support from the State Government.

“The hospitality sector does employ a lot of people because it’s a labour intensive industry and they are doing it tough because of the restrictions – they are the toughest restrictions in the country,” he said.

“We have been advocating consistently if the government is going to tell one particular industry that they are going to wear the biggest burden in the name of people’s safety, then they need much more government support than what they are receiving.”