Small Business Support …

Media release – Jane Howlett, Minister for Small Business, 25 August 2021

100 more small businesses approved for support

We know that many of our small businesses rely on interstate and overseas visitation and trade, and have been impacted by the border restrictions we have had to put in place.

That’s why we acted swiftly to launch a jointly funded $20 million Business Support Package, aimed at providing much needed relief to Tasmanian businesses.

The program only opened just over a week ago and has already had more than 480 applications submitted, with 100 businesses approved for payment, and 51 businesses already having received funds. Most of these businesses were eligible for a $5,000 grant.

In fact the Small Business Council of Tasmania’s Executive Officer, Mr Robert Mallett, says the feedback has been that this latest round of support has been welcomed.

“The $20 million package will provide relief for many small businesses who are struggling with the current border closures. The feedback I have received about the package has been extremely positive. I believe the criteria is generous and appropriate for the time,” Mr Mallett said.

We have already provided more than $80 million in business grants since the COVID-19 outbreak, but we also acknowledge that there are businesses that fall outside the original eligibility criteria for this Border Closure Critical Support Grant Program.

As I said very clearly in Parliament this morning, we are using this feedback from businesses to inform how we can adapt the current program’s eligibility criteria to provide broader and practical support at this critical time, as well as the structure of future business support measures, noting that the program has only been open for a little over a week.

Therefore, we strongly encourage all impacted businesses to register their situation with Business Tasmania which can be contacted on 1800 440 026 or ask@business.tas.gov.au

This $20 million package forms part of our Government’s 4 Point Delta Shield Plan that will help keep our State safe and our economy strong as we continue to deal with the risks associated with the delta strain of COVID-19.

Labor should cut the rubbish and stop playing politics with our hard-working small businesses to score political points.

Editor’s note: Robert Mallett, referenced above, stood as a Liberal Party candidate at the 2014 state election.

Janie Finlay MP, Shadow Minister for Small Business, 26 August 2021

Why won’t Howlett support small business?

Small Business Minister Jane Howlett only acts when confronted by the uncomfortable truth.

Shadow Minister for Small Business Janie Finlay said Ms Howlett fails to understand and has therefore been unable to answer the questions as to why the government is failing to support small businesses ineligible for the Border Closure Critical Support Grants.

“Ms Howlett continues to fail to understand how hard it is right now for struggling workers across Tasmania, including over 100 workers stood down at Hobart and Launceston airports,” Ms Finlay said.

“After today’s performance in Parliament it is clear Minister Howlett does not understand the impacts this is having on the families operating Tasmania’s small businesses.

“Yesterday the Minister acknowledged more needed to be done, she said if the grant criteria need to be adapted she would do it, then why hasn’t she done more now? She needs to act today.”

Ms Finlay said the Minister only needed to pick up a newspaper today to see the challenges facing small businesses across the state.

“What additional support has the government considered to help struggling Tasmanian businesses? How many more people will have to lose their jobs before they act?

“What will the Minister do today? She needs to act now.”