The LNP is calling on the State Government to fast-track its business support package or risk small and family businesses closing because the money didn’t arrive in time.
The Government’s announcement of a business assistance package comes after months of campaigning by businesses and the Opposition.
The LNP has for months repeatedly called for a COVID-19 Business Support Package to include support measures such as:
The State Government has agreed to a six-month deferral of payroll taxes for eligible tourism and hospitality businesses, fee waivers for those operating in national parks, liquor licensing fee waivers and a $20 million COVID-19 cleaning rebate.
“The State Government was dragged kicking and screaming to get to this point,” Shadow Treasurer David Janetzki said.
“But the Government is still failing small and family businesses who are desperately trying to keep their doors open as not a single cent has hit their bank accounts.
“Thousands of businesses have been shut for 12 out of the last 30 days, watching bills pile up, with no way to make an income.
Mr Janetzki said businesses also desperately needed more payroll tax relief to stay afloat.
“The financial assistance on the table in Queensland is less than a quarter of what is being offered in other states,” he said.
“We can’t afford for the Treasurer to being going slow while businesses are going broke.”
Shadow Minister for Small and Family Business Brent Mickelberg said the only way many businesses would survive is if they have money in the bank before the end of the week.
“The Government’s assistance application process must be fast-tracked to get cash in pockets by Friday,” Mr Mickelberg said.
“They can’t wait any longer.”
