The closure of cherished regional pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes in regional Victoria reflects the daunting economic challenges faced by hospitality business owners and their staff.
Rising costs, higher energy costs, increased land tax, soaring rents and mounting WorkCover premiums threaten their survival, including taxes on liquor licenses, power hikes and dwindling revenue threatening businesses’ survival.
Immediate action is crucial to protect these cultural landmarks and support the dedicated family businesses and the employees behind them, ensuring the prosperity of regional
Victoria. These closures are felt in areas such as Premier Jacinta Allan’s home seat of Bendigo, where the Kangaroo Flat Hotel has sadly closed.
The Forge, a prominent pizzeria in Ballarat, recently went into administration due to mounting cost pressures, including increased taxes and interest rates.
Frank and Connie’s Kitchen, a much-loved venue in Hepburn Springs, has closed its doors.
Businesses in Beechworth, Geelong and Maldon have suffered a similar fate.
Labor’s huge debt because of their financial mismanagement has led to higher taxes is now forcing many of our favourite hospitality venues to sadly close.
But it doesn’t stop there.
The Labor government’s restriction on gas supply has pushed prices up and now they’re proposing to ban new gas connections, forcing restaurants to use more expensive options to cook and heat their venues.
Under a Liberals and Nationals government, we will not ban gas.
Labor can’t manage money and Victorians are paying the price.
Peter Walsh,
Leader of The Nationals
Member for Murray Plains
