Melbourne businesses are again facing financial stress as the entire state swells through a fourth COVID-19 lockdown, caused by yet another outbreak.
The Victorian State Government has ordered many businesses to close while others will continue to operate with heavy restrictions.
The “embarrassing” Government Support Package
$250 million has been put on the table to support organisations impacted by the lockdown, with grants between $2500 and $3500 available to successful applicants.
Industry leaders however have slammed the government for not only their response to the developing cluster, but also the “embarrassing” package offered to those having by a thread during this fourth lockdown.
Chrissie Maus, the General Manager of the Chapel Street Precinct has criticised the Governments response, and says businesses are calling the support offered to them “the nothing package”
Maus told Ticker News host Holly Stearnes that many organisations have lost “much more than a couple of grand”. She detailed that in one night alone, restaurants within her hospitality precinct are losing around $40,000, and the amount “goes up” on weekends.
The Australian Federal Governments’ employee support package, JobKeeper, expired in March, meaning businesses are now effectively paying their employees once again out of their cash flow, rather than using the wage subsidy scheme.
Thousands of employees within the hospitality sector, retail, and travel industries have been temporarily stood down, many without pay due to being casual workers.
Chrissie Maus is now calling on the government on behalf of those industries, urging more support to be offered to those that will ‘go hungry’ because of no income.
Lockdown extension looming
The Victorian Government has not ruled out an extension of the lockdown, stating the next days are “critical”.
Health Authorities confirmed the virus was continuing to spread across the city, with the amount of active cases sitting at over 50.
Authorities hold great concern for the aged care sector after a worker tested positive to coronavirus.
Ticker News is now available on Xumo TV and Xfinity, bringing new era of accessibility
Ticker is thrilled to announce a major milestone for Ticker News: we are now available for streaming across the United States on Comcast’s major platforms, Xumo TV and Xfinity.
The development places Ticker News in the company of industry giants like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC, marking a significant leap forward in our mission to deliver quality news to a wider audience.
With a combined reach of 50 million active users per month, Xumo TV and Xfinity offer an opportunity for Ticker News to expand viewership.
The achievement is particularly special with Ticker’s fifth anniversary on air on August 19.
“Getting Ticker News on these platforms was no small feat,” says Ticker Founder and CEO Ahron Young.
“It took nearly two years of intense negotiations and overcoming various technical challenges. But the journey underscores the resilience and determination of our team, proving that persistence pays off. We are immensely proud of what we have accomplished together,” Ahron says.
Being available on Xumo TV and Xfinity significantly enhances our already robust distribution network.
These platforms provide Ticker with the ability to reach millions of new viewers, further solidifying our presence in the competitive news landscape.
“Our commitment to expanding our reach and improving accessibility remains stronger than ever,” says TIcker’s Global Marketing Director, Kane Ricca.
Looking Ahead
As Ticker celebrates this exciting moment, the media company remains focused on its mission to provide accurate, timely, and engaging news to our audience.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support of our hosts, staff, investors, and viewers. Every moment counts at Ticker, and together, we are building something truly special,” says Ahron.
Vice President Kamala Harris met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and a cease-fire agreement.
Vice President Kamala Harris highlighted the nature of the discussion describing it as a “frank and constructive”meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
Harris expressed her concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
She stressed the need to finalise a cease-fire deal.
Harris described the past nine months in Gaza as devastating.
She urged that the tragedies in Gaza should not be ignored. #trending