SMALL BUSINESS PAYING THE PRICE FOR MORRISON’S VACCINE BUNGLE

July 13 2021
Media Release

RICHARD MARLES MP
MATT KEOGH MP

There are more than 575,000 small businesses across Greater Sydney and surrounding local government areas which are staring down economic uncertainty as a result of the latest lockdown to face the country.

More than 18 months after COVID first hit Australia, Scott Morrison’s failure to secure enough vaccines for our population and his refusal to build fit for purpose quarantine facilities are crippling businesses across New South Wales.

Mr Morrison must provide a lifeline for small business owners. And he must do it without delay.

Hard working Australians who have poured their hearts and dollars into running their businesses are now facing a diabolical situation, losing money and confidence everyday this lockdown continues.

The Morrison Government needs to urgently offer a small business survival package that at the very least includes:

Rental support;
Support to retain staff so they can re-open easily after lockdown;
Debt relief to help small businesses avoid a debt trap

This lockdown is a direct result of the Morrison Government’s failure to roll out the vaccine and to have national quarantine facilities. The Government must offer these businesses more than platitudes.