We are disappointed that Victoria remains closed for business, Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott said.
"This is an inexplicable and unacceptable delay for Victorians and small businesses who are hanging on by a day, not a week.
"Adopting a wait and see approach to easing restrictions is not an answer for people who face a bleak Christmas and businesses that are trying to get back up and running.
"There is no sound reason to continue the restrictions on business, especially with case numbers clearly on a downward trajectory.
"People desperately need the ability now to get on with their lives and businesses.
"Simply being allowed to go for a haircut or outside a bit more when you have no job, no money and your business has failed is just not good enough.
"There's no point having a 25km travel zone if nothing is open.
"For businesses, it is now a day to day proposition, not a week to week one, whether they remain viable or close their doors forever.
"We urge the Victorian government to end the trade-off between a health, social and economic recovery and put in place a robust strategy that delivers on all fronts to protect lives and livelihoods.
"NSW has demonstrated that through good management states can find a sensible middle ground that allows people to live, work and go to school safely alongside this virus.
"We also remain disappointed that the Victorian government is yet to consult with business on how we can work together to reopen the economy faster.
"Across the rest of the country, business is helping drive practical solutions, such as enhanced digital tracking and tracing, to keep workers and customers safe.
"Business, which is the lifeblood of the community, faces a bleak Christmas unless there is a clear, decisive and evidence-based plan that gets Victoria moving again. We did not see that today.''
