Relief for small business on the way:CCIQ
Queensland businesses, especially those in the tourism and hospitality sectors have the green light to increase operations following the Palaszczuk Government’s announcement of a July 10 border reopening date for all states except Victoria.
News of the border opening date is welcomed as is the lifting of arbitrary restrictions which will allow small businesses to adopt a 1 person per 2sq metre rule giving them a chance to operate at a viable capacity.
CCIQ has been calling on the government to give businesses certainty and remove restrictions which were impacting businesses viability and putting more jobs at risk.
CCIQ’s general manager of advocacy and policy, Amanda Rohan, said today’s announcements will allow business to begin to get back up and running.
“This is good news for small business, as is the lifting restrictions for pubs, clubs, stadiums as it will breathe some life into our local businesses and communities that rely on our whole economy to be moving ,” Ms Rohan said.
“Having a date of when our borders will open is a relief for business, particularly in our regional areas that can start welcoming many of our interstate visitors back.
“Business have been treading water to keep themselves afloat and can now begin moving forward, something they have been desperately wanting to do.
“There will still be an impact to our regions reliant on tourism and hospitality, as interstate travellers from Victoria are vastly important, however we are pleased to see our state start moving again.
“But while a commitment to the border reopening date is very welcomed, it’s important to keep in mind, that it won’t magically undo the damage businesses have sustained over the last few months.
“Businesses have been incurring operational expenses during a time when there has been no money coming in, and there’s a long road to get them back on track.
“Soon the current available stimulus, including the JobKeeper payment and the Payroll Tax freeze will end and there is the genuine threat of a second round of business closures.
“State and Federal Governments need to be implementing further measures which include wage subsidies for apprentice and traineeships; support for reducing ongoing operating costs support such as electricity, rent and waste; and ongoing relief for permits and fees charges.
“Today is good news, and we hope it will be followed by more to come, so we can really get Queensland moving again.”