Victorian Government announces $3b coronavirus business support package, targeted support for hospitality, ski resorts

The Victorian Government has announced a coronavirus business support package worth about $3 billion, which Premier Daniel Andrews calls the "biggest package of business support" the state has ever seen. Key points: The package includes more than $1.1 billion in cash grants for small and medium-sized businesses The package includes more than $1.1 billion in cash grants for small and medium-sized businesses The Government will establish a fund offering grants of up to $30,000 to licensed bars, restaurants, pubs, clubs and hotels The Government will establish a fund offering grants of up to $30,000 to licensed bars, restaurants, pubs, clubs and hotels The Australian Hotels Association supports the package but says the state's roadmaps need to be less restrictive The Victorian economy has been hit hard by the state's extended lockdown during the second wave, with anticipation there will soon be more Victorians on JobKeeper than the rest of the country combined. More than $1.1 billion in cash grants will be allocated to small and medium-sized businesses the Government says are "most affected" by coronavirus restrictions. Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula said the Government was looking to "move swiftly" to open the grants in the coming week via the Business Victoria website.