COVID-19

Labor calls for urgent financial compensation for business

By Glam Adelaide

Posted on December 27, 2021

Today Labor released a statement calling for urgent financial compensation for businesses impacted by the latest restrictions.

The statement said “Labor is yet again calling for the Marshall Liberal Government to provide urgent financial compensation for businesses being hit hard by new COVID-19 restrictions.

“Hospitality, tourism and retail businesses in particular have already suffered a crippling December, which for many businesses is usually the most profitable time of the year.

“Now they face the prospect of a grim new year with new restrictions imposed yesterday. Many have already temporarily closed their doors and stood down staff.

“Labor first put forward this comprehensive package back in August but was ignored by the Marshall Liberal Government.

“Labor’s proposed comprehensive compensation package would comprise:

Cash payments to eligible businesses of between $100 and $500 per day that restrictions remain in place.
Calls for the Commonwealth Government to establish a JobSeeker-like program to ensure workers in the industry have an income.
Waiving of 2021-22 liquor licencing fees
Land tax relief to landlords that pass the relief on to business tenants.
Land tax deferrals for remaining obligations
A moratorium on retail and commercial tenant evictions.
Payroll tax deferrals, with no-interest repayment plans.
Accommodation support payments where bed nights have been cancelled.
New arts and events cancellation fund with grants of up to $250,000 to assist with financial losses when forced to cancel/restrict attendance.”

SA Labor Leader Peter Malinauskas said “Steven Marshall must step up and provide immediate compensation so we can ensure as many businesses as possible can survive and as many jobs as possible can be saved.”