VICTORIAN pharmacies adversely impacted by COVID-19-induced lockdowns will be able to access funding through the State's Small Business Hardship Fund, while support has been lacking in other parts of the country.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia Victorian Branch President, Anthony Tassone, welcomed State Minister for Industry Support and Recovery, Martin Pakula's decision to open the $180 million fund to community pharmacies.
"This funding couldn't come at a better time," Tassone said.
"Pharmacies in the [Melbourne] CBD, shopping centres and [the] airport have remained open throughout the lockdowns despite a significant drop in trade, and have been there for their patients and communities in very challenging circumstances.
"Previously pharmacies have not been eligible for any Victorian Government business support payments, but this is greatly welcomed."
The fund will provide grants of $10,000 to businesses that have experienced a reduction in revenue of at least 70% as a result of the restrictions.
Meanwhile, Guild National President, Trent Twomey, warned that unconscionable behaviour by superannuation fund landlords was threatening the community pharmacy network.
Speaking during the Guild's latest COVID-19 update webinar on Wed, Twomey said the lack of access to supports such as JobKeeper and the rental moratoriums which were in place during the inital lockdown, was "crap".
"We've had several members call in tears," he said.
"I don't know why a big super fund expects you to be able to keep paying the rent when you simply are not allowed to trade due to a public health directive.
"It's unconscionable [and] we will keep fighting it."
Twomey told pharmacy owners that the Guild was working with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Council of Small Business of Australia to lobby governments at Federal and State and Territory levels for rental relief.
"There are some pharmacies out there that just won't make it through if they don't get some form of support," he said.
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