Shadow Minister for Small Business, Marie-Clare Boothby, says it’s almost comical the Gunner Labor Government is professing that the upgraded Business Hardship Support package – announced following pressure from the CLP Opposition and small businesses – will keep business doors open.
“This is only lip service, pure and simple. Based on the strict criteria, only businesses that have suffered a 60% downturn are eligible.
“The reality is, any small business remotely close to eligibility would already be broke and shuttered.
“Territory small businesses, and in particular those in the hospitality and tourism sectors, need certainty. Over the past two years businesses have been crippled by COVID restrictions and have borne the brunt of implementing the Gunner Labor Government’s vaccine mandate – without any industry-specific support.
“Add to that, skyrocketing crime, and devastating staff shortages – it’s not hard to see why some businesses have decided to call it quits on the Territory.
“The Gunner Labor Government has no idea what it’s like to run a business, let alone an economy. Since Michael Gunner came to power he’s racked up an eye watering $9 billion debt, with no economic plan to dig us out.
“No business should come out of this global pandemic waiting on government to act before they can get back on their feet. It’s not good enough and Territory businesses deserve better than this incompetent Gunner Labor Government,” said Ms Boothby.
ENDS