Commerce Ballarat has slammed the federal government for abandoning regional businesses affected by Victoria's most recent lockdown, the first without the JobKeeper supplement.
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Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a COVID disaster payment of up to $500 for eligible workers in Commonwealth-designated virus hot spots, if lockdowns last more than seven days.
Regional Victoria's lockdown only lasted a week - many restrictions will be eased from 11.59pm on Thursday - so workers outside of Melbourne are not eligible for this payment.
AT A GLANCE: Federal government reveals lockdown support package
That means Ballarat workers who lost shifts during the lockdown, and therefore income, will not be able to receive any emergency payments.
Commerce chief executive Jodie Gillett said even with restrictions easing, the lack of visitors from Melbourne in the next few weeks will still have a massive effect on businesses in Ballarat, particularly in tourism, accommodation, and hospitality.
Several events over the Queen's Birthday long weekend have already been cancelled, she said, which had flow-on effects through the city.
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"In my conversations with local business people yesterday, they said their first concerns were for their casual workforce, and they were absolutely devastated that with the limited numbers that are allowed, they'll only be able to use their permanent staff," she said.
"Many businesses are in a situation where yes, they are allowed to open in regional Victoria, but they cannot, because either the limited hours or work is not there for them, because of the restrictions placed on other businesses - they can function, but they don't have any work.
"It's shortsighted and narrow thinking to think that just because we're out of lockdown, our businesses and community are not being seriously affected.
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"Our casuals are still left high and dry with no income."
Senator Sarah Henderson said Ballarat-based workers who work in Melbourne will be eligible for the support payments.
She said she had concerns for businesses in regional areas that were forced to close or reduce operations because of restrictions.
"I'm desperately calling on the state government to allow businesses to operate and not to impose a sledgehammer on businesses," she said.
"It's not a wage subsidy, it's to get people through very tough times."
She noted Victoria had previously received billions of dollars in support through the JobKeeper package and other initiatives.
Federal Ballarat MP Catherine King said in a statement the lack of support is "incredibly disappointing".
"We know that a lot of people in our community live pay cheque to pay cheque, they simply cannot afford to go a week without pay," she said.
"Mortgage repayments haven't stopped, rent hasn't stopped, the cost of living hasn't stopped.
"The state government has supported businesses with grants, but the reality is that only the Commonwealth Government has the ability to quickly deliver money to individuals who need it."
The emergency payments apply to areas designated by the Commonwealth as COVID hot spots that have been in lockdown for seven days or more.
Melbourne people who usually work more than 20 hours a week will receive $500, while those employed for under 20 hours will be given $325.
IN THE NEWS
To be eligible for the temporary COVID-19 disaster payment, workers must have liquid assets below $10,000.
"That is a support payment which is not unlike the type of payments that we make in relation to other disasters," Mr Morrison told parliament.
It's understood the federal government will split the cost 50-50 with state governments.
- WITH AAP
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