THREE regional Victorian chambers of commerce have united to oppose a State Government decision to withdraw the funding of their offices\u2019 mental health worker.<\/p>\n
Be.Bendigo CEO Rob Herbert has co-written a letter with Geelong Chamber of Commerce CEO Jeremy Crawford, and Commerce Ballarat CEO Jodie Gillett to draw attention to each city\u2019s need for an accessible healthcare worker.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese clinicians are crucial for supporting our business communities,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cCOVID is over, but the recovery is not. It is an extremely difficult environment for business owners who are emotionally and physically exhausted.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Be.Bendigo, 22 per cent of small businesspeople have been professionally diagnosed with mental ill-health recently.<\/p>\n
Between 30 and 40 per cent of workers in the manufacturing, retail, and construction industries, and accommodation and food services, reported that they have been diagnosed with a mental health condition.<\/p>\n
About 48 per cent of small business owners prefer face-to-face help, and 54 per cent of small business owners aren\u2019t seeking assistance due to the cost of visiting a psychologist, and waiting periods.<\/p>\n
The CEOs are lobbying local governments and State ministers and shadow ministers, to reconsider the decision to cut the funding.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhilst the State Government clearly needs to manage a growing level of debt, our Regional Business Chambers believe these programs are critical for what is a modest government spend,\u201d the letter reads.<\/p>\n
Minister for Small Business, Natalie Suleyman, has advised the chambers that she has read the correspondence and will look to address their concerns.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THREE regional Victorian chambers of commerce have united to oppose a State Government decision to withdraw the funding of their offices\u2019 mental health worker. Be.Bendigo CEO Rob Herbert has co-written a letter with Geelong Chamber of Commerce CEO Jeremy Crawford, and Commerce Ballarat CEO Jodie Gillett to draw attention to each city\u2019s need for an […]<\/p>\n