The Gosford Erina Business Chamber is agitating for the speedy payment of business support relief.
Chamber President, Rod Dever, said he had spoken at length with Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, and they had an agreed plan in place to support any business which is in crisis while awaiting processing of support payments.
Dever said Service NSW had received more than 250,000 applications from NSW businesses for funding support.
“With the Hunter moving to a potential (lockdown) extension this number will grow,” he said.
“The volume of submissions was anticipated; however, the complexity of verification for micro and sole business who may not have specific reporting in place has added delays to processing.
“Additional declarations and documentation have been required and this has slowed the processing considerably.
“Service NSW has now employed more than 150 additional staff to assist with the processing.
“They have moved their working hours and have staff on shifts seven days per week working day and evening shifts to process payments.”
Dever said it had been anticipated the backlog would be cleared by August 15, but any member who has not received payment or been contacted by Service NSW about outstanding applications submissions should contact the Chamber at president@gebc.com.au.
“We understand that many people have been calling Service NSW for updates,” he said.
“These calls are out of frustration or crisis as you need these dedicated funds to keep your business functional, however we would ask that you limit the calls you make to the hotline.
“Calling and waiting up to two hours is taking staff away from processing applications and again impacting on processing times.
“We understand your frustration and are here to help.
“When we receive the information specific to your case, we can take it forward to get payment, responses, or updates where a crisis exists.”
Source:
Media release, Aug 13
Gosford Erina Business Chamber