Liberal Nationals force backdown on Labor’s secret small business hitlist

Late Friday the Andrews Labor Government was forced to back down on its decision to exclude entire sectors of small businesses from accessing the Business Support Fund.

This Fund promised $10,000 grants to Victorian small businesses below the payroll tax threshold which have suffered severe financial damage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yesterday thousands of small businesses were angry at being told that certain industry sectors were not eligible for support from the Fund.

Labor refused to detail this small business hitlist or explain the reason why certain sectors were banned.

As a direct result of the Liberal Nationals’ campaign, Labor has now changed position and agreed to expand eligibility to all industry sectors, not just a few.

Comments attributable to Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Small Business, Michael O’Brien:

“This is a win for small business and a win for our campaign against Labor’s secret hitlist.

“Labor promised that all Victorian small businesses hit by COVID-19 would be eligible to apply for support, only to reject many on the basis of a secret list.

“Labor’s deception was creating anger amongst small businesses already struggling during the pandemic.

“The Liberal Nationals will always stand up for Victoria’s small business community. Today’s backdown by Labor shows that we have got the backs of small business.”

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