By Oliver Lees
Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters has slammed the federal government’s decision to roll back pandemic support payments as the state reaches its vaccination targets.
COVID-19 disaster payments have been made available to eligible businesses and workers throughout Victoria’s several lockdowns.
Currently, eligible workers can receive $750 per week if they’ve lost more than 20 hours of work, or $450 if they’ve lost between eight and 20 hours of work.
Under a new scheme announced by federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on September 30, automatic renewal of this payment will end once 70 per cent of the state’s population aged 16 and over is fully vaccinated.
Meanwhile COVID-19 support packages for businesses will end once 80 per cent if Victoria’s eligible population is fully vaccinated.
“We can’t eliminate the virus, we need to learn to live with it in a COVID-safe way. Our economy has bounced back strongly before once restrictions are eased and is well positioned to do so again when lockdowns lift,” Mr Frydenberg said.
Ms Chesters said the changes will leave some employers and employees without a safety net.
“Hitting 70 per cent does not mean people automatically get their jobs or their hours back,” Ms Chesters said.
“It is irresponsible to cut off vital support payments without a plan for economic recovery.
“Labor has been calling on the federal government to provide a nationwide plan for business, with many across Central Victoria still impacted by restrictions that have buckled sectors like tourism, events and hospitality.”
Business Kyneton president Kate Fairley said businesses in the Macedon Ranges continue to be challenged by restrictions, which carry different consequences for different industries.
“It’s really challenging, allied health for example, hasn’t had support payments in regional Victoria for months now,” she said.
“You look at hospitality, and yes they’re open, but they’ve got density caps of 10 people and 30 outside, it’s so limited.”
State government modelling estimates Victoria will reach the 70 per cent double vaccination rate by October 26 and 80 per cent by November 5.
