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small business | August 24, 2020

Labor denies sole trader’s access to small business support

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy is calling on Daniel Andrews to extend small business support to include sole traders.

Sole traders have been denied access to the Victorian Business Support Fund by the Andrews Government because they don’t employ staff other than themselves.

Ms Kealy said she has received many calls from sole traders dismayed to discover no help is available after contacting the Business Victoria Hotline.

“It is inequitable and unjust that Victorian sole traders are being denied access to COVID-19 business support,” Ms Kealy said.

“It defies belief that Daniel Andrews has deemed them ineligible to receive support.

 “Our hardworking sole traders desperately need access to emergency cash flow during the pandemic to give them the ability to generate income and meet their financial commitments.

““Small business is the backbone of our Victorian economy and Labor must step up and support them by changing the criteria to reduce some of the stress and financial pressure they are facing.”

“What has also become apparent is Daniel Andrews’ decision to deny Victorian sole traders’ access to COVID-19 business support is disproportionately disadvantaging women and families.

“Troublingly, the stories are all similar; each is juggling family, work and business financial commitments and their ability to generate income has been taken away due to no fault of their own.

“During the first COVID-19 upsurge ABS workforce data detailed the significant impact the pandemic is having on women and jobs and now we have the Andrews Government further disadvantaging working women during the second wave.

“Daniel Andrews must immediately extend the Victoria’s Business Support Program and provide COVID-19 support to include sole traders.”