Lisa Chesters (Bendigo, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Things are tough in Victoria, particularly in my area of Bendigo, because of the health crisis, and the stage 3 restrictions are having an impact on local businesses, industry and jobs. I want to acknowledge the efforts that many are making to keep going, particularly a lot of our businesses in hospitality and retail. Not being able to have patrons in their restaurants for the good part of six months, they have continued to do takeaway service—and hats off to them. Businesses like the Belmont Hotel and Masons, a hatted restaurant in our electorate, and new businesses like Harvest and Ms Batterhams are all doing their best to try and stay afloat. But, whilst the takeaway side is proving to be somewhat successful, it is a fraction of what their usual income is. That is why I am so disappointed that the Treasurer of this country is choosing to pick fights and place blame, rather than continuing to keep JobKeeper at the higher rate.

We cannot avoid the fact that we are in a health crisis and that, to ensure the health and safety of our citizens, the restrictions in Victoria need to continue. I would urge the Treasurer to listen to the concerns of local businesses in Victoria and to work with the state to keep JobKeeper going at the higher rate.