Questions without notice and ministers statements
COVID-19
Mr M O’BRIEN (Malvern—Leader of the Opposition) (11:04): My question is to the Premier: Premier, the New South Wales government has announced a $2.3 billion support package, which includes $80 million to waive a range of fees and charges for small businesses, including bars, cafes, restaurants and tradies. Janine Smith from the Bay Road Cafe in Sandringham says the future of her business is grim as her customers have dried up. Premier, why won’t you follow New South Wales’s lead and provide similar support so that this hardworking small business owner and her 12 staff can survive?
Mr ANDREWS (Mulgrave—Premier) (11:04): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question, and it is true to say that there are many businesses—indeed all businesses, I think, large and small—right across the Victorian economy and community that are feeling the impacts of this unprecedented health crisis. It is appropriate to have a response that is considered. Last night I had a very good conversation—a detailed conversation—with federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on exactly these issues. I put it to the Leader of the Opposition that my approach and the approach of the government will be one of partnership, one of consistency, one of trying to work with the commonwealth—
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: Order! The house will come to order.
Mr ANDREWS: As I was saying, I take the view that it is best to be in partnership and to be coordinated. We are doing a whole lot of work to develop an appropriate response, and we will make announcements in due course. The most important part is to have a clear understanding of what next steps the commonwealth government are going to take. The last thing any business would want to see happen, or any Victorian would want to see happen, is for us to be essentially replicating and duplicating each other’s work.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: Order! Leader of The Nationals and the member for Macedon!
Mr ANDREWS: As I have indicated, the government is working with businesses large and small across different sectors to properly understand the impacts and to consider a measured package of interventions and a measured package of investments that are well considered and that will have maximum impact. As I have said before—and this is lost on some—this is a really difficult time to try to create customers. This is a very difficult time to try to create customers for business. What is needed is a cash injection. We are working to deliver a package that will have great effect, one that will be consistent with the government and one that will be announced in due course.
Mr M O’BRIEN (Malvern—Leader of the Opposition) (11:06): Premier, the clock is ticking. You speak about monitoring situations, but Harry’s menswear in Berwick, which employs five people, has seen a 40 per cent downturn and is at risk of closing without immediate assistance. For two days now you have refused to announce any action to support small business in this state, despite every other state government around the country doing so. Premier, what will you do to support Harry’s menswear and its staff and the thousands of employees whose jobs are at risk while you do nothing?
The SPEAKER: Order! Just before calling the Premier, I remind all members to refer their comments through the Chair and not directly to other members of this place in question time.
Mr ANDREWS (Mulgrave—Premier) (11:07): As I said in my answer to the principal question, the government is working hard to develop a package of support. We will make announcements in due course. I reject the assertion or assumption that anybody is doing nothing. Everybody is getting on and working very, very hard to support everyone who is affected by this crisis. We will have further announcements to make in due course, and at that time we will be sure to offer those opposite a briefing.