<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>338208</docID> <postdate>2025-02-13 09:03:32</postdate> <headline>Labor urged to help rail-affected businesses</headline> <body><p><strong>Closing London Circuit for at least two years for light rail stage 2a will see small businesses collapse and jobs lost if nothing is done to support them, says ACT Liberal leader Leanne Castley.</strong></p> <p>“I spent a small bit of time yesterday talking to a few of the affected businesses and they feel like they’ve been treated with contempt by the ACT government," she says.</p> <p>“It’s current Labor policy to not make financial payments nor provide tax exemptions or relief to businesses affected by major projects but we believe this is wrong and short sighted.â€<a title="" href="https://sendy.cbrlibs.org.au/l/IYyh4FPq9cMxnkSr62a45g/rzO0vCWgj7WrxnqxCUylMA/Sse1CkdnZDA77NPIEGciwA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" name="m_6701303708780551198__ftnref1" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://sendy.cbrlibs.org.au/l/IYyh4FPq9cMxnkSr62a45g/rzO0vCWgj7WrxnqxCUylMA/Sse1CkdnZDA77NPIEGciwA&source=gmail&ust=1739480109828000&usg=AOvVaw3fV_FFsFMDEOkAeFeKwRrS"></a></p> <p>“The current ACT Labor government measures are just window-dressing and we’re calling on the government to take stronger action so these businesses don’t go to the wall.</p> <p>“The consultation with the affected businesses has been minimal and the promise a few signs isn’t going to help one iota.â€</p> <p>Current ACT Labor government policy says: "In accordance with the ACT government’s Business Partnership Policy – Major Projects, the ACT government does not make direct financial payments to businesses affected by the construction of public infrastructure, nor does the ACT government provide payment relief in relation to rates, taxes, rents or other charges payable to the ACT government."</p> </body>