"Businesses in Victoria have welcomed the new business support package announced by the Federal and State Governments today, as providing assistance at an especially difficult time," Tim Piper, the Victorian Head of the peak employer association Ai Group, said today.
"The different styles of support being offered in this package ensures that funding will be available to a broader section of the business community. Hopefully the partnership between the Federal and State Governments is a pointer to further collaboration in the future.
"The parts of the funding aimed at companies which have not received anything during the COVID 19 period, will be important.
"It will offer support for rent, to pay electricity, water, gas and general costs including those that help keep people employed. Businesses want to keep employees engaged, as all will be needed once sales pick up again.
"Business people are optimists by nature and this will help them following this period of lockdown.
"Hopefully this current lockdown will last a very short period and businesses are able to benefit from consumers needing to restock.
"While we understand there is some uncertainty in the economy, we are keen to see the consumers open their wallets again and help lift activity and employment throughout the Victorian economy. This package will help many businesses and employees get through to the next stage which we hope will be about revitalisation," Mr Piper said.
