Ferntree Gully electorate
Mr WAKELING (Ferntree Gully) (14:38): (5955) My question is for the Minister for Industry Support and Recovery. The use of Australian and New Zealand standard industrial classification codes in the eligibility criteria for state business support has hampered the timely provision of financial assistance to many small and medium-sized businesses throughout my electorate. Unfortunately, historic and incorrect ANZSIC classifications on the Australian Business Register have delayed the provision of vital assistance, with some, such as Miss Molly Floral Design in Wantirna South, still waiting for support from the fourth lockdown well into the fifth lockdown. Others in my electorate, such as Lisa Foden and Knox City Boost Juice, have been excluded from support altogether, including for the recently announced Business Continuity Fund, on the basis of their ANZSIC classification, notwithstanding the fact that they have been directly or indirectly impacted by the lockdowns. Minister, I recognise the difficulties associated with the rollout of this money, but can you please explain to my constituents why the use of ANZSIC codes is justified in these circumstances?