Small business owners hit hard by bushfires say more needs to be done to help them stay afloat, arguing current support programs do not go far enough.
One Victorian State MP wants taxpayers to fund cash grants up to $30,000 dollars for businesses feeling the pinch from lost revenue. In January, the federal government announced grants of up to $50,000 for small businesses where property had been damaged or destroyed by fire.
Businesses which have lost revenue can apply for low interest loans up to $500,000 but local state Nationals MP Tim Bull is part of growing calls to make cash grants available too. He proposed a tiered payment structure - for businesses whose business activity statement shows a 20 per cent or more dip in revenue on the same quarter from last year. Under the proposal, businesses would receive a handout up to $30,000 - depending on the number of employees.
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