Mr MORRIS (Mornington) (14:42): (5925) My question is to the Minister for Industry Support and Recovery on behalf of a constituent who writes:
We are an established, non essential retail business of over 10 years, with no online trading and only a ‘bricks & mortar’ presence which was mandated to be closed for some 173 days … over the past four Victorian lockdowns. Even though no income was generated during this period, we were still required to pay commercial rental, utilities and other running costs.
I confirm we have had NO state government assistance or grants whatsoever … due to our entity status being a ‘Partnership’ even though each time a grant has been offered, we have met all the other criteria including our ANZIC Industry Classification.
She goes on to indicate that there have been at least three grants totalling $10 000—$3000, $5000 and $2000—extended to sole traders but not available to their business.
So it is clear that there has been a failure to deliver support to partnerships.
It is unreasonable and unfair, and the question to the minister is: what is he going to do about it?