Today Victorian businesses are deeply disappointed by the Government's announcement that restrictions will continue for at least another two weeks.
The Victorian Chamber agrees we need to get the virus under control. That is the main game for everyone. But we can't just let business and jobs be sacrificed on the way. We need to protect the community today, but we need to protect our community's future as well.
While there is a glimmer of hope for some businesses in regional Victoria, most today learnt that restrictions across Melbourne and regional Victoria will continue, with health officials deeming the daily infection rate still too high.
The roadmap responds to calls from business leaders, including VCCI, for a pathway out of lockdown, although it will come too late for many businesses and jobs. The roadmap includes the conditions that must be met to allow movement through each of its phases. Only limited business activity will be permitted under sector plans that are yet to be released by the Government.
Now the restart roadmap is in place, business leaders expect the Government to improve its management of infections to contain the spread of the virus and focus on speeding up Victoria's economic recovery.
Quotes to be attributed to Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra:
"The business community had high hopes that today's announcement would signal the end of Stage 4 restrictions on 13 September and instead businesses are left frustrated and facing more weeks of lost revenue and mounting costs they can't afford.
"Victoria's economy is experiencing its biggest crisis in modern times with thousands of businesses unable to operate for most of this year, and the Government needs to allow Victorians to get back to work while managing the health crisis. This cannot continue to be a choice of health over economy.
"We will continue to do whatever we can and work with both the Federal and State Government to not only deliver hope, but to deliver jobs, by keeping your business alive."
