Thursday 15 July 2021
Another $1 billion worth of retail trade is at risk with Victoria entering a five-day lockdown; building on the $6 billion in retail trade already at stake with the extended NSW lockdown and the previous lockdown in Victoria.
Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra said today's announcement of a 5th lockdown for Victoria brings the state-imposed lockdowns to a total of 68 days in 2021 alone.
"This is Groundhog Day for Victorians. This lockdown delivers another billion-dollar blow for retail businesses and workers who are yet again the innocent victims of the virus and our delayed national vaccine rollout," Mr Zahra said.
"Victorians have been to hell and back over the past 18 months and lockdowns have sadly become a way of life. The impact will be immense - we estimate another billion dollars' worth of retail trade is at risk, and many small businesses are past breaking point. Vulnerable businesses, in particular CBD retailers, hospitality and beauty businesses have yet to recover from the last lockdown in June, and unfortunately now, it's back to square one.
"Lockdowns have a financial and a social cost, taking a toll on people's confidence and their mental health. We must ensure accessible support measures are in place and well promoted to those who may need help.
"The Federal Government has said the economic support measures that were set up for NSW are a template for other states should they be plunged into lockdowns. We look forward to the Government swiftly following through on that commitment for Victorian workers who will be displaced and the businesses that are forced to temporarily close their doors.
"NSW and Victoria are the engine rooms of the national economy, and with Australia's two largest states now in lockdown, our pandemic recovery is in a precarious position.
"Retailers respect and support the health measures in place and have worked around the clock to protect their staff and customers from Covid. However, with this situation stretching into a new financial year it's clear that vaccines are our only ticket to freedom and the only way we'll see an end to lockdowns and restrictions that are crippling so many businesses and livelihoods.
"The ARA continues to work with the Federal Government on how the retail industry can assist in the vaccine rollout and we stand ready to support this effort in any way we can."
