Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy has called for answers from the Minister for Employment regarding the shortage of workforce in Wangaratta and other regional towns.
In Parliament Mr McCurdy said, “I was contacted by a concerned local business owner from the Rural City of Wangaratta who fears severe staff shortages may mean his business will be significantly compromised even after Covid.”
“This local business owner currently employs 140 staff but needs at least another 20 to keep up with current orders and demands imposed by the Victorian Government’s Covid rules.
“These strict Covid compliance rules implemented by the Victorian Governments Covid police are an additional burden and stress for our local businesses,” he said.
“In the words of this local business owner: what is the Victorian state government going to do to assist businesses like his – and so many other contractors – to encourage people back into the workforce after their COVID lockdowns?”
Mr McCurdy continued, “our regional businesses have been through enough and yet I have received a number of calls from business owners informing me that they have been bullied and harassed by enforcement officers despite their compliance with Victorian State Covid rules.
“This is unacceptable, the Victorian Government must stop the bullying tactics now and help our local business get back on their feet after Covid,” he said.