MEDIA RELEASE FROM CRAIG INGRAM MP - MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND EAST Issued: Tuesday 2 October 2007

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Ingram calls for low interest loans to assist struggling businesses

The Independent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has again urged the Victorian government to provide low interest loans for businesses in his electorate whose trade has been affected by natural disasters.

“Many small businesses continue to suffer as a result of the natural disasters -- bushfires, drought and floods -- that have occurred in my electorate this year and in recent years,” Mr Ingram told Parliament.

“Small businesses and primary producers were offered financial assistance by the state government, but the eligibility criteria require that these people have to have been directly affected by fire or floodwaters.

“Many have been indirectly affected, particularly businesses, and they have been refused access to low-interest loans.

“Many have applied for grants, and have been encouraged to apply for them, but have been let down by this process.

“These people are not seeking a handout, but assistance in the form of low-interest loans in order to keep trading and continue to employ local staff.

“Small businesses must have access to funding based on the Cyclone Larry funding model due to the immediate cash-flow impacts that occur.

“This model should be considered and implemented by the State Government,” Mr Ingram concluded.