Tuesday, 18 March 2025

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:26): I rise today to speak about the support the Allan Labor government is providing to communities in the Grampians region who have been devastated by the summer bushfires, including in my casino, gaming and liquor regulation portfolio. My thoughts are with all those that have been affected – business owners, workers and families – who have faced hardship in the wake of this disaster. These fires have caused significant damage to local businesses, particularly the hospitality and tourism sectors. Many have lost income and faced mass booking cancellations during what should have been their busiest time of the year. That is why I am pleased that Liquor Control Victoria has provided fee relief to support affected licensees. Liquor licence renewal fees for 2025 will be waived for all venues within 5 kilometres of the fire-affected area, with full refunds for those that have already been paid. This support acknowledges the significant financial strain that these businesses are under and helps them with some of the immediate pressures they are facing. We know how important these businesses are, not just to the local economy but also to the fabric of their communities. They provide jobs, bring people together and help make the Grampians a destination that so many Victorians want to visit.

This fee relief is just part of the broader support delivered in partnership between the Allan and Albanese governments. With Commonwealth support there is a total of $29 million in help and support to businesses and communities across western Victoria, including cash grants, free business support and tourism support to boost visitor numbers. I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge a couple of my colleagues in this place, members for Western Victoria Region, that have strongly advocated for strong business support in the area, in particular Minister Tierney and Jacinta Ermacora. They have strongly advocated to the state government on behalf of their communities. I thank them for that advocacy and for supporting their local communities. Our government will continue to stand with these communities as they recover from this disaster.