LABOR CONTINUES TO IGNORE STRUGGLING WA SMALL BUSINESSES 

Shadow Minister for Tourism and Small Business Alyssa Hayden has urged the Labor Government to dip into its election campaign war chest to help West Australian small businesses decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Labor has finally woken from their slumber to recognise that West Australian travel agents needed urgent help,” Ms Hayden said. 

“I have been calling on the government to show some compassion to these small family-run businesses, with a petition I organised attracting more than 1500 signatures, but today’s announcement comes after six long, devastating months for this industry. 

“Compared to the commitment from other states in Australia to support their small businesses, this $3 million package is underwhelming and is really too little too late. 

“WA’s $200 million of travel refunds are expected to take up to 10 months to process. This small token of assistance from the government will only keep the wolves from the doors of travel agency owners for a few weeks. 

“It's disappointing that once again the Premier’s attempt to support small businesses continues to fall so short. 

“The $3 million Labor has made available in grants to travel agents is the same amount of money they are spending on spin doctors to build their media empire. 

“Why aren’t WA small businesses receiving the same support from this government like in other states? 

“Queensland is already on its second round of grants worth $100 million. 

“Western Australia’s Premier and Treasurer would prefer to hoard their cash for a Budget surplus next month to splash on the government’s election campaign.”