FIONA PHILLIPS
MEMBER FOR GILMORE

PHILLIPS CALLS ON MORRISON GOVERNMENT
TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, is calling on the Morrison Government to stop ignoring local businesses in Gilmore that need desperate help to remain open.

While the government has failed to make Rapid Antigen Tests freely available, this has put enormous strain on workers, local businesses and their customers.

Many businesses have had to temporarily close and/or lay off staff as a result of either staff being in self-isolation or reduced spending because people are fearful to go out – and they themselves can’t get rapid antigen tests.

The terrible irony is that while the state is not technically in lockdown, the Liberal Government’s bungling of the COVID pandemic, has forced many people to stay home which is hurting local shops and jobs.

The Federal Member recently met with owners of Mi Amor Home and The Art Hub, in Kinghorne St Nowra, with owner Jennifer Rainford saying:

“We are finding it very tough at the moment and our business has dropped
more than 80 per cent with this outbreak, “it’s like we are in lockdown again!”

I have spoken to Service NSW and they have said there is no help for struggling
small business…I know we are not the only ones in this predicament but at this
rate we will be closed at the end of the month. I had 7 staff and have had to
put them off and are now down to 2 staff.”

“It’s high time the Morrison Liberal Government took some responsibility for its failed handling of this pandemic and provides support for local businesses and workers”, Mrs Phillips said.

“I am calling on the Morrison Liberal Government to support local businesses and workers, before it’s too late”, Mrs Phillips concluded.