Calling on the Victorian State Government to amend legislation so that the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme is extended by at least 12 weeks and then to be assessed on a month to month basis.

With deep and ongoing concern to: 

   The approximately 600,000 small businesses in Victoria affected by Stage 3 and Stage 4 lockdowns.
   Some of which will not have been able to trade for essentially 6 months by 29/09/2020.

With regards to the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme:
Regulations for the Scheme have been made under the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Act 2020. Due to expire 29/09/2020.

   Current Stage 4 Lockdown enforced 02/08/2020. Proposed duration 6 weeks. (May be extended). Commercial tenancy relief scheme due to expire 2 weeks after current Stage 4 period (proposed end date 13/09/2020.)

   Calling on the Victorian State government to amend legislation so that the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme is extended by at least 12 weeks and then to be assessed on a month to month basis.

   Calling on the Victorian State government to amend legislation so that Commercial Mortgage holders have to extend deferrals/relief to Landlords affected in alignment with the proposed extension above.

   Failure to do so, or to take other equivalent measures to protect the 600,000 businesses affected, will be gross negligence on the part of the State and resulting action for damages must be considered a consequence.

   May you and your families be well and as prosperous as possible during these unprecedented times.