Flaws in the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s COVID-19 package for business must be urgently fixed to allow recently-founded firms to apply for interest-free loans.
Shadow Small Business Minister Fiona Simpson and Nicklin MP Marty Hunt have called on the State Government to cut redtape blocking companies such as Terella Brewing of North Arm from accessing the COVID-19 loan package.
“These loans are meant to help businesses facing bankruptcy, but many employers are now discovering the loans are a cruel hoax in their current format,” Ms Simpson said.
“Terella Brewing has 13 employees but they’ve been told they don’t qualify because they were established after July 2017.
“The rule is wrong and denies these small businesses the help they say they need.”
Mr Hunt said: “Our community has been pushing really hard for new investments and employment. I understand we are facing difficult times but someone like Brandt Bamford of Terella Brewing deserves the support that other businesses are getting.
“He’s not asking for a hand out, he just wants fairness and to be eligible for one of the State Government loans to keep his business going. We need innovative people like Brandt in business locally, employing locals and helping drive our economy.
“I’m calling on the Treasurer to extend the eligibility rules around the business loans as too many like Brandt are missing out. It is difficult enough in our current situation for businesses to survive and we need to help people like Brandt come out the other side of this and continue his great new local business.”
Ms Simpson said the date should be changed to offer the loans to any Queensland businesses founded before January 31 this year.
“It’s heartbreaking when people who think they have help then find out they’re denied on a flawed rule,” Ms Simpson said.
