Victoria pleads for federal aid for suffering businesses
May 28, 2021 – 3.55pm
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The Victorian government has requested financial aid from the federal government to help businesses through the seven-day lockdown, with a support package worth around $200 million to be announced as early as Sunday.
In the meantime, the Morrison government has approved the use of 160 Australian Defence Force troops to assist with the doorknocking of people in quarantine.
Victoria’s Acting Premier James Merlino speaks to the media on Friday morning.
Jason South
On Friday, the Australian Industry Group said that in addition to an estimated $1 billion or more in lost revenue and stock, each week of hard lockdown would result in $1.5 billion in lost or deferred consumer spending, bringing the total cost to businesses to $2.5 billion a week.
By David Estcourt and Broede Carmody
Tougher restrictions in Greater Melbourne wouldn’t be surprising in the wake of the northern suburbs outbreak, says Melbourne University epidemiologist Tony Blakely.
Dr Blakely said health authorities are likely discussing measures that would target the northern suburbs of Melbourne in an attempt to contain the spread, but that the outbreak might already have outrun public health teams.
Melbourne University epidemiologist Tony Blakely.
“There’s a chance it already may be ahead of us,” he told the ABC’s Radio National.
Dr Blakely also urged anyone living in the northern suburbs to work from home, if they can.