Today's announcements on new restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria are the strongest limitations yet to apply to any Australian state in the COVID-19 crisis, with more pain for businesses set to be announced tomorrow.
The Victorian Chamber warns that Stage 4 restrictions, while necessary to stop the spread of coronavirus, will have a devastating impact on businesses and jobs.
The existing Stage 3 restrictions in Melbourne have already caused thousands of business to close with unemployment headed above 9 per cent. With more restrictions to be announced tomorrow we expect to see even more closures and more jobs lost.
We're working with the Government on what the impact for industries and businesses will be, with more detail on what those measures look like set to be announced tomorrow.
To be attributed to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra:
"This is a very tough day for Victoria.
"Stage 4 will mean the end for many businesses, with thousands more jobs set to be lost.
"Business will take a further hit with employees now also having to supervise school age children at home again, and childcare centres closed for the first time.
"It is very disappointing that regional Victorian businesses will now also face stage 3 restrictions after a period of restarting.
"A further six months' of Stage 3 disruption was not an option, so it is vital that we get these more drastic measures right.
"The only glimmer of hope is that with such extreme measures we can stop the spread and get Victoria back into a position where we can talk about opening up our economy again.
"We know right now that is not going to happen until this health crisis is under control.
"That's why we encourage everyone to do the right thing, abide by these tough rules with the hope that by September we will be in a better position and starting to see a path to economic recovery."
