The Australian Industry Group has called on the Victorian Government to reinforce the measures announced last week by the Federal Government to support the State's businesses during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Tim Piper, the Victorian Head of the national employer association Ai Group, has called on the Government to act in four areas:
Mr Piper said: "These measures would help Victorian businesses stay open, keep their current staff employed and support the wider community.
"Payroll tax relief would assist businesses currently suffering from a downturn in revenue to keep their staff," he said.
"Importantly, the relief should cover employees of all organisations with payroll tax liabilities including the larger businesses who do not qualify for the Federal Government measures which were aimed at small and medium-sized business. Such a move will support job security for thousands of Victorians.
"Job security should also be the focus in a re-evaluation of all Government Grants.
"Currently, many grants are made available on a basis of 'job creation' i.e. how many extra jobs a business can create with extra support. While this is a worthy goal in growing an economy, the current situation calls for a focus on 'saving jobs', so the grants rules need to change.
"The call to relax regulatory restrictions will help all businesses support the more vulnerable in our community. This could especially relate to essential service activities such as waste," Mr Piper said.
Media enquiries: Tim Piper - 0411 430 301
