The Latrobe Valley small business community has been let down again by the Allan Labor Government’s refusal to send public servants back to the office full-time, according to The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron.
Mr Cameron, who is also the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business, said small businesses in the Morwell CBD were doing it particularly tough under the state government’s work from home policy that has been in place since 2021.
“Some businesses have survived the closure of Hazelwood, Covid lockdowns, and skyrocketing operational costs by the skin of their teeth,” Mr Cameron said.
“Throw in high WorkCover premiums, new and increased taxes, and Labor’s shock cancellation of the Commonwealth Games, and it’s no surprise that businesses in regional Victoria are struggling.
“The Morwell CBD is a public service hotspot, so with the majority of the town’s weekday customer base working from home, it’s becoming unviable for small businesses to keep the doors open.
“When Labor opened the Latrobe Valley GovHub in 2021, it promised the 200 public sector jobs at the office would provide a $15 million boost to the local economy.
“But fast-forward three years and the GovHub is virtually empty, and this has directly contributed to the closure of its onsite café – a social enterprise set-up to benefit the local Neighbourhood House.
“Jacinta Allan needs to follow the lead of the New South Wales government, listen to small businesses, and help revive the economy by sending public servants back to the office.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage business, and small business owners are paying the price.”
