Queensland’s economy needs a health plan
Now that the elections has been run and won, it’s time to get back to business. And first on the re-elected Palaszczuk Government’s agenda must be on generating and implementing a health plan for our economy, said the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ).
A health plan for the economy be implemented swiftly and with transparency and include:
• Easing restrictions to allow businesses to operate viably;
• Generating a consistent approach to any future and ongoing border closures; and
• Creating certainty by actioning proposed policies which will benefit SMEs.
And the true strength of this government will be exposed within their first 100 days of how they will implement them.
The latest CCIQ-Suncorp Pulse survey of business conditions shows that 99 per cent of Queensland businesses are unsure of their ability to keep operating when stimulus support ends.
CCIQ’s general manager of advocacy and policy said the government needs to ensure that it does not become a reality. The business community needs to have certainty by knowing the government has a plan to support their success, both immediately, now and into the future.
“Friday’s announcement on the ongoing border closure is not what many tourism regions, sectors and related businesses wanted to hear,” Ms Rohan said.
“With Christmas fast approaching, many families and travellers want to confirm their holiday plans, and many businesses wishing they could plan for the months ahead. But right now the uncertainty continues, and it’s damaging to business confidence.
“However, it also makes the importance of easing restrictions even more vital.
“Currently, there is one-tenth of Queensland businesses, impacted by restrictions.
“And it’s these businesses, local pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes, who will benefit the most by being able to open and begin trading more viably.
“The current restrictions, including patron limits, is impacting profitability, and it’s putting their future viability at risk.
“The upcoming summer and Christmas season are crucial trading seasons especially if they cannot capitalise on the upcoming peak trading season.
“Right now, more people want to get out and support their local venues, but they can’t because they can’t get in.
“We are missing an opportunity to bolster our local economies and communities by not looking to ease restrictions further.
“We are not suggesting to ease COVIDsafe practices, businesses have done all that’s been required, and that will continue.
“They have COVIDsafe plans and practices in place, and that won’t change. The safety of their staff and customers will always be a priority.
“Still, we must start looking at ways for businesses to be sustainable in the long-term., especially as stimulus support begins to taper off.
“Many regions are especially frustrated as they have not had a single COVID case in months, yet are still impacted by the same restrictions.
“There needs to be a plan in place for when restrictions will ease, so a business can plan and for them to know there will be a chance for them to be viable into the future.
“There needs to be action on securing the safety and wellbeing of Queensland communities, businesses now, as the thousands of Queenslanders employed by small businesses are relying on it,” Ms Rohan said.