CCIWA CEO
Chris Rodwell
Today’s Business Assistance Package will provide welcome relief to businesses impacted by Level 1 COVID restrictions.
This package follows CCIWA writing to the Premier in January, calling for financial support. We appreciate that the State Government has listened to CCIWA and its members.
The $67m measures announced today are suitable for Level 1 settings, with scope to scale up support in the event more stringent restrictions are introduced. The package provides grants, relief from government license fees, and rent-related support which will benefit small businesses, hospitality and entertainment venues. It is vital that no additional qualifying criteria are applied to the support schemes, such as maximum turnover rules.
CCIWA also appreciates the Stage 1 ‘Bounce Back’ scheme introduced by the City of Perth, which includes $5,000 grants, free night parking and fee waivers – a generous program for a local government to offer. We look forward to working with the City and other local governments to support small businesses in the face of coming challenges.
CCIWA surveys show businesses expect impacts on cash flow, profitability, and workforce availability due to the presence of COVID in WA and associated government directions. The adjustment remains to be fully felt, and support will be key to the continued operation of many businesses. CCIWA is assisting many with arrangements to maintain operations while continuing to protect staff and observe COVID rules.
The introduction of financial assistance to mitigate COVID impacts builds upon the 7-day isolation standard, practical rules for COVID close contacts and compensation for the impacts of the border delay. These are conditions CCIWA has worked towards for more than 18 months and shows the State Government recognises it is a challenging time for our members. CCIWA thanks all of its members who have helped to make the case for further support and looks forward to continued engagement with the State Government to diversify our economy, and repair our reputation as a place to visit, study, invest and do business.
