Lockdown businesses need immediate recovery and national long-term plan
Hundreds of thousands of Queensland small businesses waiting to hear if the three-day lockdown will be lifted today need not only an immediate recovery package but a long-term national plan to secure certainty there will not be future lockdowns.
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) has been calling for payments of up to $25,000 under a COVID-19 Hotspot Recovery package for affected businesses to cover loss of stock and trade and support the reinstatement of business operations since the March greater Brisbane lockdown.
Calls for the package were renewed this week – with more than 95% support from surveyed businesses.
Half of businesses CCIQ surveyed during the March lockdown called for a nationally consistent framework to support business planning and certainty.
CCIQ Policy and Advocacy General Manager Amanda Rohan said business needed National Cabinet support with a plan for all state and territories to address lockdowns and border closures – the most significant impacts on business’ ability to recover, grow and diversify.
"Businesses need a clear plan all state and territories agree on to address COVID-19 long term because we know the immediacy of a snap lockdown creates significant operational issues for businesses forced to close. It can take a significant amount of time for businesses to recoup or in some cases even maintain an ability to stay in business,” Ms Rohan said.
“Economic recovery is a marathon and we need recovery support to go the distance not just now but to provide certainty.
"Without on-going support for businesses and their staff, these snap lockdowns like we are witnessing this week and the lack of clarity and consistency they bring is limiting recovery.”
Ms Rohan said a national COVID-19 recovery plan needed to include overarching implications like businesses’ hygiene and contact tracing obligations, the vaccination roll-out and border closures to allow people to move about the country and support business confidence on a national level.
“It is crucial support is made available to help transform the business economy, especially in regional areas,” Ms Rohan said.
“It’s more important than ever to focus on priorities that grow our economy for the long-term while making sure those impacted during COVID-19 lockdowns are compensated.”
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