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small business Grants and awards Sport and Recreation | September 01, 2017

Labor hurts small business in grant payment delays

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP is appalled the Andrew’s Labor Government is stalling on the payment of Community Shade Grants, hurting local businesses, sporting clubs and community organisations.

The second round of the Community Shade Grants Program closed in October 2016, but 10 months’ later money has still not flowed to the 228 successful grant recipients across the State.

A local club who was advised of the success of their $30,000 grant application in May was later told by DHHS that “due to a failure within the DHHS payment system”, disbursement of funds may not occur until September, despite the club having already contracted a local Stawell business to install a shade sail.

“The Andrew’s Labor Government is withholding valid payment for months on end,” Ms Kealy said.

“This is putting further financial pressure on local manufacturing businesses already crippled by rising electricity bills compounded by Labor’s policy to close the Hazelwood power station.

“We need a government that supports small business in regional Victoria, not one that neglects these important local employers.

“This is just another example of the city centric Andrew’s Labor Government’s disregard for rural and regional Victoria.

“The Andrews Labor Government should be doing all it can to support local people, small businesses and jobs growth. Only a Liberal and Nationals Coalition Government will deliver this,” she said.