Tuesday, 20 June 2023

Western Victoria Region

Joe McCRACKEN (Western Victoria) (13:03): (246) My question is for the Minister for Small Business and relates to the funding cuts to mental health clinicians that were based in chambers of commerce such as Commerce Ballarat in my electorate. Will the minister please release the advice, briefing papers or any other relevant information which the minister used to justify this decision? Commerce Ballarat, joined with the Geelong Chamber of Commerce and the Bendigo chamber of commerce, have said publicly:

COVID is over, but the recovery is not. It is an extremely difficult environment for business owners who are emotionally and physically exhausted.

Over 22 per cent of small business owners have reported being diagnosed with a mental health condition. Rates are higher in particular sectors – for example, manufacturing, 35 per cent; retail, 34 ‍per cent; accommodation and food services, 34 per cent; and construction, 33 per cent. I cannot understand why the government would make such a cruel and uncaring move in a sector which needs it the most. It is about time the government started listening to small business instead of ignoring it.