Grant Robertson
MP for Wellington Central
Finance Spokesperson

MEDIA STATEMENT

28 November 2016

Wellington business relief package needs flexibility

The Government’s Wellington business support package is welcome news but needs to be implemented so that all affected businesses get the help they need, says Labour MP for Wellington Central Grant Robertson.

“Wellington businesses will be pleased that the Government has agreed to a support package. However, I am concerned that this has come two weeks after the earthquake and more than a week since I first raised with Minister Joyce the need for a support package for Wellington.

“I have been receiving calls from increasingly anxious and desperate business owners who are worried that their businesses are at risk.

“There are a number of sole trader or ‘Mum and Dad’ operations which are unable to operate. It is vitally important that they can access this package, along with those who employ staff.

“The Minister has said they will be eligible and he needs to ensure that he follows through on this commitment.

“Given that the numbers of businesses affected in Wellington is relatively small the Government needs to show some flexibility to find the best ways of supporting them through this difficult time,” says Mr Robertson.

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