Payroll jobs in Victoria have decreased more than the national average since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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According to data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, from the week ending March 14 to July 25, payroll jobs in Victoria decreased 2.2 per cent more than average.
Victoria has lost 6.7 per cent of its payroll jobs since the pandemic took hold, compared to a 4.5 drop nationally.
Federal member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said the sustained loss of jobs is directly linked with the ongoing pandemic.
"Unfortunately, these figures are going to get a lot worse before restrictions start to ease," Ms Chesters said.
In the most recently reported fortnight, from July 11 to July 25, Victoria lost 1.2 per cent of its payroll jobs.
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In NSW and Queensland, payroll jobs increased by 0.2 per cent and 0.6 per cent respectively in the same period.
Ms Chesters said some Bendigo businesses would "trade their place with Queensland tomorrow if it meant they could trade as normal, but that is just not possible."
The Bendigo MP, who has returned to Canberra ahead of parliamentary sittings in a fortnight, said she is eager to inform the Parliament of what businesses are experiencing locally.
"The resilience of our local businesses needs to be commended," Ms Chesters said.
"They are doing all they can to see they can remain viable and keep as many people employed as possible."
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Masons of Bendigo's Sonia Anthony said stage three restrictions have been more manageable for her award-winning Queen Street restaurant compared to when they were first introduced.
"There has been a lot more conversation and we have had time to offer something unique," Ms Anthony said.
Masons At Home recently launched, offering diners a chance to recreate some of Masons meals at home.
"We launch a new menu every Monday and the food is pre-prepared, it just needs reheating," Ms Anthony said.
"People are ordering as a couple and getting their friends to order and having a Zoom party on the weekend, which is exactly what we wanted it to be.
"We wanted to keep it fun and create a unique experience."