The Victorian government has announced a $250 million business support package to assist those hit hardest by the statewide snap lockdown.

But Acting Premier James Merlino has also delivered a scathing attack on the Federal Government, saying his state has been denied assistance.

“Victorian workers need support and that is where we needed Canberra to come to the table, and I am very sorry to say that they have refused to do that,” he said.

Acting Victoria Premier James Merlino said he was disappointed by the federal government’s decision not to assist Victoria financially. (9News)

“We asked multiple times, multiple times, for the federal government to support workers during this period and the unrelenting answer has been, no.

“Victorian workers deserve more from the federal government and I am beyond disappointed that the answer from the Prime Minister and the Treasurer has been no.”

Treasurer Tim Pallas backed the acting premier and said the commonwealth had forgotten Victorians in need.
Victoria Treasurer Tim Pallas launched a scathing attack on the commonwealth. (9News)

“It would be really good if the self-styled party of the workers actually did some work for working people and provided them with the assistance that they need, indeed, that they require,” he said.

“I am angry and I am disappointed.

“They like to pride themselves on being the party of the forgotten people … well, the people they have seem to have forgotten is Victorians and in particular Victorian workers.”

How the support package is compiled

“This is a bigger and broader package than the one we delivered through the circuit breaker lockdown back in February and it is made up of a few elements,” Mr Merlino said.

The package features three initiatives for small to medium-sized businesses and sole traders.

The $190.01m second round of the Business Costs Assistance Program will offer grants of $2500 for eligible businesses, including restaurants and cafes, event suppliers, accommodation providers and non-essential retailers.

A $40.7m new round of the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund will provide businesses holding an eligible liquor licence and food certificate with a $3500 grant per venue.

An allocation of $20m will be also be dedicated to supporting operators in the events industry who have incurred losses as a result of the lockdown.

Melbourne’s bustling Italian precinct on Lygon Street has turned into a ghost town since lockdown came into effect. (Nine)

The entire package is being funded by the state’s coffers.

“This is a contribution, a payment, that the government is proud to make, because we are proud of the effort that Victorians are making during this very difficult time,” Mr Pallas said.

The treasurer said he had spoken with his federal counterpart Josh Frydenberg several times throughout the week to no avail.

“Well, we are paying. We are paying very substantially, and I don’t think working people should be paying.”



This content first appear on 9news

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