Qld businesses call for lockdown grants
Queensland businesses are urging the state government to offer grants to those hit by its COVID-19 lockdown, in line with other states.
Thousands of non-essential businesses across the state's southeast and Townsville have been ordered to close until 6pm on Friday.
The government hasn't unveiled any support for companies affected by lockdowns, unlike NSW, Victoria and Western Australia.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland says the government should offer grants of up to $25,000 to cover the loss of stock and trade.
"The NSW government yesterday committed support payments for businesses, but to date the Queensland government has not committed any support," the CCIQ's Amanda Rohan said.
NSW small businesses will be able to apply for $10,000 grants from the state government from July 19 if their revenue is down 70 per cent on 2019 levels.
The Victorian government offers small businesses grants of up to $5,000 for eligible business directly affected by lockdowns.
WA small business impacted by the recent Perth and Peel lockdown can also apply for $2000 grants from the state government.
Ms Rohan said it was third lockdown in Queensland and second in which no assistance had been extended to businesses.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the restrictions will be short, indicating that grants won't be offered.
"Can I please urge people to support their local takeaway, businesses," she told reporters on Tuesday.
"And hopefully we can get through these three days, fingers crossed, and things will be able to return to normal."
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said there was already enough assistance available for small businesses in hotspots through existing programs.
She said business should check what assistance was available on the Queensland and the Commonwealth government websites.
Liberal National Party leader David Crisafulli said the premier had let down small businesses.
"At the premier's press conference today, where for the first time she mentioned small business, she mentioned it in terms of going there to takeaway from," he told reporters.
"That's not the leadership that people in small family business wanted today, they wanted to know there was a support package, and they didn't get it."
Meanwhile, the state has temporarily relaxed curfews on supermarket loading dock and distribution centre operating hours.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles said that would allow declared businesses, such as supermarkets and chemists, to restock 24 hours per day.
"This will ensure drivers and retailers can work around the clock to deliver essentials to Queenslanders," he said.
"We are not running out of products, but need to get products to supermarket shelves as quickly as possible.
"I want to thank our retailers and delivery drivers ensuring we can all get our hands on essentials.
"I also want to urge Queenslanders not to panic buy."
