MEDIA RELEASE

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

7 January 2022

Regional business need more help

Although applauding a decision by the State Government to provide cash grants of up to $22,000 plus other benefits for hospitality, tourism and the fitness industry, Member for Frome Geoff Brock believes even more needs to be done to help regional businesses weather the COVID storm.

Mr Brock said the grants, plus liquor licence waivers and payroll tax deferrals, which form part of the key features of the new business support package would be welcomed, but the Premier and his Ministers needed to consider additional support for the regions.

“This support package is particularly for those businesses impacted by the density restrictions, which have made it unviable for some of them to operate in the current climate,” he said.

“This is a very trying time for businesses all over the State, and I am sure the financial assistance will be welcomed by those businesses eligible to receive it.

“But I have written to the Premier advocating for our regional areas, which are also being hit hard by the restrictions.”

Mr Brock said he was seeing family-run, small and large, new businesses, and long-standing businesses fold under these very difficult times.

“Our business owners’ mental health is suffering as they try to navigate their way through the restrictions placed upon them, and any extra financial assistance to regional businesses may help to alleviate this.”

Mr Brock encourages regional business owners struggling with their mental health to contact SA Health’s COVID-19 Mental Health Support line on 1800 632 753 which is available from 8am to 8pm daily.

ENDS