The Australian Retailers Association said the decision was a welcome relief for many small businesses in the state that had been looking at substantial losses, especially as the border had been closed for an extended period.
The majority of the government’s $67 million support package will be allocated to rent relief, with $3,000 grants to be provided to eligible small-business tenants.
“Covid cases are continuing to rise in WA and additional restrictions have been put in place, so a decline in revenue is inevitable for some businesses as they battle through this challenging period,” ARA chief executive Paul Zahra said.
“We’ve been in close contact with the WA Government discussing the ongoing challenges for small businesses, and we appreciate the speed in which they have put these supports in place as a direct result of our advocacy.
“Rent is a significant pain point for small business, and with limited customers shopping in physical stores at the moment, many will struggle to pay their operating costs. The rent relief grants will help cushion the blow from the current wave of new Covid cases and help businesses to keep the lights on and their doors open.”
