Thursday, 9 April 2020
The South Australian Business Chamber says an immediate cash payment of $10,000 from the State Government for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 will be warmly welcomed.
The peak industry body says for many businesses the cash couldn’t come soon enough.
The South Australian Business Chamber CEO, Martin Haese, commended the Premier for the financial support, which will help thousands of businesses struggling across the State.
“We commend the Premier on this move, it’s a good move and will put cash in the banks of businesses where it is so desperately needed,” Mr Haese said.
“While many businesses, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors, have had to close their doors during the COVID-19 shutdown, the bills don’t stop.
“As the independent and local peak body for all business sectors in SA, we have been hearing heartbreaking stories of businesses on the brink of collapse.
“This $10,000 cash payment, which is expected to be received in the next two to three weeks, will mean businesses can now pay those rent and power bills.
“We have been advocating to the Premier and to the Federal Government for more financial support for businesses and we are pleased the Premier has answered this call for help.”
Mr Haese said the $10,000 cash payment would also benefit landlords who have been left to shoulder the bulk of the burden on the Federal Government’s Commercial Tenant Code.
“We know many landlords are also small businesses themselves, which is why he have advocated strongly for a financial subsidy for both landlords and tenants,” Mr Haese said.
“The State Government’s $10,000 cash payment is a win-win for small businesses, whether they are a landlord or a tenant.”
