Federal member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters has launched a survey to gauge the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on local businesses.
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Ms Chesters said she hopes more than 100 businesses will participate in the survey, with an expectation its findings will be discussed in Parliament and the Labor Party caucus room.
"Since the government announced their measures to support businesses and the workers they employ, I realised very quickly the experience of local business owners has been mixed," Ms Chesters said.
A specialised hotline and support services for businesses unsure of their eligibility for the Federal Government's JobKeeper wage subsidy are suggestions Ms Chesters has for improving the current system.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson says more than 140,000 Victorian organisations have enrolled in the JobKeeper program.
"The Federal Government is working incredibly hard to support central Victorian businesses and workers," Senator Henderson said.
"Whether it's boosting cash flow, providing government backed loans or delivering the JobKeeper payment."
Ms Chesters said businesses need a way of contacting the Tax Commissioner directly to discuss their individual circumstances.
"We know the Tax Commissioner has broad discretion to make decisions on individual businesses and if they do or don't qualify for subsidies," Ms Chesters said.
"There is no way for businesses to get in touch with the Tax Commissioner directly."
Businesses have until today to ensure all eligible employees have received a minimum of $3000 in gross wages for the first two fortnights of the JobKeeper support period.
The ATO has made a legislative instrument to provide alternative turnover tests to determine if businesses qualify for the JobKeeper program.
Senator Henderson said working together to help businesses is vital.
"It is regrettable that the only thing we hear from Ms Chesters is negativity," Senator Henderson said.
"If she is interested in supporting businesses in her electorate that are having issues, I would encourage her to contact me so that, together, we can fix any problems quickly and constructively."
A clear disputes process, extending the JobKeeper payment to casuals and allowing businesses to opt in at different times are other areas that need to be rectified, according to Ms Chesters.
"Some businesses might not have struggled in March, but they might be struggling now or next month," she said.
Local businesses can fill out the confidential survey, which is available here.
