CCIQ calling for COVID-19 Hotspot Recovery Package since March
Queensland businesses impacted during COVID-19 lockdowns and Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) have been calling for a COVID-19 Hotspot Recovery Package since March.
CCIQ Policy and Advocacy General Manager Amanda Rohan said businesses needed certainty of support to allow them to pay ongoing bills and overheads, maintain their commitment to staff and ensure they were able to get back to business as soon as possible after lockdown.
“This is something we have been calling for since the March greater Brisbane lockdown with some Queensland businesses now in their fourth lockdown this year, potentially the third without a package in place since JobKeeper ended,” Ms Rohan said.
“These businesses are financially and emotionally exhausted.
“We know even a three-day lockdown can significantly impact a businesses’ ability to recover, if at all.
“We heard today the State Government is considering details of support measures for impacted businesses and we look forward to finding out more about what that means for businesses.”
Ms Rohan said lockdowns impacted business and consumer confidence outside hotspot areas, a support package would go a long way in maintaining the broader Queensland economy.
“While some businesses are not locked down, they’re locked out which means the financial and emotional impact of lockdowns can reach far beyond those areas forced to close,” she said.
“That’s why we’ve been calling for the COVID-19 Hotspot Recovery Package for five months to not only support those businesses forced to close and the staff that rely on them, but considerations for the wider business sector both in their immediate and long-term recovery, particularly in regional areas.”
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