Thursday 5 August 2021
Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra said Victoria's sixth lockdown of the pandemic is a knockout blow for many battle-weary businesses that are on the brink of financial, emotional and mental health collapse.
"This is the news no Victorian wanted to hear, but the sad reality is that whilst vaccination rates remain low, lockdowns are the only weapon we have to contain the Delta variant from spreading far and wide throughout our communities," Mr Zahra said.
"More than half of Australia is now in a lockdown, with Victoria joining Greater Sydney and surrounding regions, along with South-East Queensland.
"A state-wide lockdown in Victoria puts around a billion dollars' worth for retail trade at risk. What's equally as damaging is the emotional cost, with Victorians only recently emerging from their last lockdown. Just as businesses were opening their doors, they've been turned off again like a light switch.
"Commonwealth and State Government supports only go so far. The trauma and anguish these lockdowns cause will be felt long after they are gone."
