McCurdy calls for fair support for all affected businesses

The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, today in Parliament called on the Victorian Government to urgently broaden the eligibility criteria for business support grants to ensure all affected businesses across the Ovens Valley receive the assistance they deserve.

Mr McCurdy said while Porepunkah businesses were grateful to receive support following what has been a very difficult 50 days, many surrounding communities including Bright, Wandiligong and Ovens have been left behind.

“Only around 14 per cent of businesses outside Porepunkah have qualified for the $5,000 grant,” Mr McCurdy said. “These are businesses that have also suffered significant economic impacts during this period and deserve the same level of support.”

Mr McCurdy said when government agencies such as Victoria Police advise tourists to stay away from a region for an extended period, for good reason, the Victorian Government has a responsibility to support those communities economically.

“A $5,000 grant is a drop in the ocean compared to the reported $100 million spent on the manhunt,” he said. “I completely support the actions taken to ensure community safety, but we must also ensure local businesses are not left to shoulder the financial burden.”

Mr McCurdy said he will continue to monitor the number of businesses that qualify for assistance and will raise these concerns in Parliament.

“I urge the Government to be fair and reasonable, ease the criteria immediately so that more businesses can qualify for this support. Every affected business deserves a fair go.”