The Canberra Liberals have slammed the ACT Labor-Greens Government for failing the Canberra business community with critical support grants paid to only 54 per cent of businesses to have applied so far.

Canberra Liberals Leader Elizabeth Lee said it is unacceptable that seven weeks into a lockdown, so many businesses are still waiting for support from the ACT Government, including many who applied on the very first day the grants were available.

“We have been inundated with emails and calls from businesses who are pleading for help and are yet to receive any support from this ACT Labor-Greens Government,” Ms Lee said.

“This government told Canberrans for months they were prepared for a lockdown, surely part of that preparation was ensuring critically necessary support can be given to businesses quickly.

“Not only are many businesses yet to receive a cent from the ACT Government, but they are now faced with not knowing what will happen to that support beyond October 15 with restrictions to continue severely impacting their ability to trade,” Ms Lee said.

Shadow Minister for Business Leanne Castley said the Chief Minister and Minister for Business are more than happy to blame other governments and business itself, but it is time they stood up and took some responsibility for a complete failure to provide necessary support to many businesses doing it tough.

“Our businesses have already done it tough for months now and are once again being left behind by this government,” Ms Castley said.

“Businesses in the ACT are crying out for help and the ACT Labor-Greens Government must step up and ensure our valued businesses receive the support they need quickly.

“It is also important for the Chief Minister to provide assurances about what financial support will remain in place for businesses significantly affected by the ongoing public health restrictions beyond October 15,” concluded Ms Castley