Wallsend state MP Sonia Hornery has gone into bat for beleaguered businesses in her electorate, calling on the NSW Government to offer them vital assistance.
The local member is asking Treasurer Matt Kean and Small Business Minister Eleni Petinos to ensure enterprises, which have a turnover of less than $75,000 per annum, receive support payments similar to those announced last week.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet unveiled a $1 billion package amid plenty of fanfare.
It included a payment of up to $5,000 per week, or 20% of payroll, for businesses with a turnover between $75,000 and $50 million who suffered a 40% downturn in January, and project to do the same in February.
“No other jurisdiction, no other state to date has provided financial support except NSW,” he stated.
But, it’s not enough, Ms Hornery said.
She was recently contacted by a number of businesses in Wallsend who will not obtain any help from the NSW Government because their revenue doesn’t meet the threshold.
In previous support packages, there were payments available to small sole traders who had a smaller turnover.
She’s now written to Mr Kean and Ms Petinos seeking financial aid for those such operators.
“I spoke with a local café owner who raised concerns that if he does not receive support from the NSW Government, he will not survive the current downturn his business is experiencing,” Ms Hornery said.
“Once again, we are seeing this government not listening to small business owners out there in the community.
“I have met up with a number of businesses in the past month and some are really experiencing a difficult time.
“Many have not recovered from the previous lockdowns and restrictions and have a turnover of less than $75,000.
“Under the new package announced by the NSW Government last week, they don’t get a single cent in assistance.
“We need to look at supporting all businesses like we have done in previous packages.
“One local business that I spoke with is really struggling and has seen a huge downturn in trade over the past two years.
“So much so that his turnover has now dropped below the $75,000 threshold making him ineligible for any assistance.”
Without some government support, he will not survive the current downturn, according to Ms Hornery.
“I have written to the Treasurer and Small Business Minister in the hope that they will come to the table and ensure small sole traders are also looked after,” she said.
“We need to make sure that nobody is left behind during this incredibly tough period.”
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