The National’s Member for Shepparton, Kim O’Keeffe, took the urgent demand for flood relief payments to the floor of the Victorian Parliament this week.
Ms O’Keeffe called on Government Services Minister Danny Pearson to explain when critical flood relief payments will be made to businesses and community members who have applied – and qualified – for the flood relief funding but have not yet received their payments months later.
Ms O’Keeffe says her office has been overwhelmed with contact from small business owners who are still trying to recover from the financial impact and devastation of Covid and now have been dramatically impacted by the floods.
“Our business community are trying so hard to recover and rebuild and this critical funding is needed to assist them in doing that. It is so frustrating when they are trying so hard to stay open.
“We are also hearing from many within the community who are struggling and are in urgent need of support.
“We have many people in financial and housing stress which is causing anxiety and severely impacting on their lives and their mental health.
“Did the Andrew’s Government not see the devastation that we have experienced? More support is needed.”