Constituency Question- Eligibility for Small Business Bushfire Support Grant
Many small business owners and primary producers in my electorate, in the Towong, Alpine and Indigo Shires, have applied for the $10,000 Small Business Bushfire Support Grant in the wake of the disastrous 2019-20 bushfires. Unfortunately it appears that many applicants’ claims for support have been rejected – because of the near-universal application of the strict 40% revenue decline rule.
Constituency Question- Travel for real estate inspections during COVID
My constituents, especially around Mansfield, are telling me that a host of people have been travelling to Northern Victoria from Melbourne during recent weeks. Many of these visitors are saying that they have come to inspect local real estate. To my great surprise, I understand this has been permitted as a reason to leave home – even under restrictions that purport to allow only essential movement.
Members Statement- Border closure
Regrettably, the shock 6 July announcement of the shutdown of the Victoria-New South Wales border has meant that many individuals, businesses and other organisations in border communities (where there still remain no, or very low numbers of, cases of coronavirus) are now being excessively punished for the mistakes of others elsewhere.
Members Statement- Wangaratta Specialist School
I had the great pleasure last week of visiting the Wangaratta District Specialist School. A shout out and thank you to their engaging students, to their energetic Principal, Chris Harvison, and the incredible staff.