In the midst of the longest lockdown in the world, the Victorian Government has just cut funding for Sole Traders by almost TWO THIRDS, despite the fact that we are still forbidden to work, and face another 6 weeks of hard lockdown until our work is permitted.

The Business Costs Assistance Program Round 5 has been announced, with a lower pay rate for non-employing businesses (sole traders) than ALL the previous rounds of assistance. 

No announcement, no explanation, no lifting of restrictions. 

The Victorian Government has quietly abandoned the smallest businesses in the last stretch of lockdown, when we need their support the most.

We demand adequate financial support until ALL restrictions are lifted on our industries and we can actually work.
We need the same rate of payment throughout the remainder of lockdown in October and November - our ability to work HAS NOT CHANGED, so our funding should not change.


You can also email the following ministers to demand adequate support for sole traders: 

Martin Pakula (Minister for Industry Support and Recovery) martin.pakula@parliament.vic.gov.au

Tim Pallas (Treasurer) tim.pallas@parliament.vic.gov.au

Danny Pearson (Assistant Treasurer & Minister for Creative Industries) danny.pearson@parliament.vic.gov.au

Jaala Pulford (Minister for Small Business) jaala.pulford@parliament.vic.gov.au