Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson is encouraging Victorians to charge to Ballarat’s wonderful Kryal Castle once the COVID-19 pandemic is over and restrictions are eased.
Senator Henderson said she was delighted to help Kryal Castle move its employees onto the Morrison Government’s JobKeeper scheme after learning that the popular tourist attraction was under threat.
“I congratulate Kryal Castle which has shown a deep commitment to its employees and to the future of its business.”
She said the banks must do absolutely everything to support businesses stay afloat at this very difficult time.
While the National Australia Bank is now providing Kryal Castle with government backed loans, Senator Henderson said its initial demand for personal guarantees was out of line.
“Without bridging finance to fund JobKeeper payments and to keep the business going, this could have put 70 people out of work and Kryal Castle out of business,” Senator Henderson said.
“Working closely with Kryal Castle management, I took this case to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg who intervened.
“The Morrison Government is providing $40 billion of government backed loans in partnership with the banks. The banks must do the right thing and get this finance out the door as quickly and fairly as possible.”
Senator Henderson said Sovereign Hill, the Gold Museum and the Ballarat Wildlife Park were three other “must visit” Ballarat attractions.
“As soon as we are through this pandemic, the Morrison Liberal Government will be doing everything possible to revive the tourism economy including in regional Victoria.”
3 May 2020