This lockdown may be over but Queensland businesses still need hotspot recovery support
Queensland business impacted during COVID-19 lockdowns this year are relying on a support package to secure long-term business confidence even after the lockdown has ended.
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) Policy and Advocacy Manager Cherie Josephson said while the latest lockdown ended on July 3, businesses still needed support to recover in the short-term, to offer some level certainty to prepare for potential future disruptions to trade, and to secure long-term business sector confidence.
"It’s great to hear the State Government acknowledge the need for support for businesses impacted during lockdowns, but the details have yet to be shared. CCIQ submitted a proposed COVID-19 Hotspot Recovery package back in March, in response from calls from businesses forced to close - this recent lockdown is now the second since JobKeeper ended and small businesses are operating without a safety net,” Ms Josephson said.
“Queensland businesses are financially and emotionally exhausted.
"We're eager to see some detail surrounding what support is being considered and how it will help affected businesses.
“The latest lockdown may have ended but there is still a need to compensate those businesses who were impacted as well as a need to provide confidence of what will be on the table should there be another lockdown.
“These businesses need urgent payments – similar to the support provided to businesses impacted during natural disasters – to pay bills and carry-on costs, maintain their commitment to staff who rely on them, and support their ability to not only get back to business but maintain their operations long-term.
“By supporting those businesses in lockdown areas, we can also cushion the potential flow-on impacts of a hotspot from affecting broader regional economies and state-wide supply chains, as well as other businesses outside the lockdown.”
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.
More than 95% of businesses CCIQ surveyed during the most recent lockdown supported the package.
Ms Josephson says even a three-day snap lockdown significantly impacts businesses, even beyond the period they are forced to close.
“During the March lockdown businesses anticipated they would lose up to $604 million – representing a dramatic hit to the business sector and wider economy,” Ms Josephson said.
"The average expected business losses from a three-day lockdown could amount to $65,000 for medium sized businesses and even smaller businesses expected a three-day lock down could cost them on average $12,000 to $58,000.
“Lockdown doesn’t mean businesses don’t have to pay staff or pay pills, but it does mean they lose revenue. Closed doors mean no trade, no money in tills and no money to pay outgoings.
“Even during short snap lockdowns, it is essential businesses have access to support to ensure they’re still in business at the end of the lockdown, as well as pay their bills and their staff.
CCIQ contact
Media and Communications Advisor
EMMA CLARKE
[email protected] | 0403 944 902