Friday, 20 November 2020
A pizza shop, a lie and a lockdown has threatened South Australia’s entire economy and exposed serious failings in the state’s COVID-19 management says South Australian Business Chamber.
South Australian business owners have been let down.
The South Australian Business Chamber CEO Martin Haese, said a single lie cannot bring a State’s economy to its knees.
“To say this week has been a roller coaster ride for South Australian business owners would be a gross understatement,” said Mr Haese.
“This is a cluster thud.
“A three-day shutdown of the entire State will cost businesses many millions of dollars.
“Businesses have worn the cost of this lockdown, and the South Australian Business Chamber is calling on the Government to bring forward pre-Parafield Gardens cluster restrictions as soon as possible.”
The South Australian Business Chamber is calling for:
1. Regional businesses outside of the greater Adelaide metropolitan area to open immediately to pre-Parafield Gardens restrictions, which includes the 1 person per 2 square metre rule
2. Great metropolitan Adelaide area moves to the Stage 1 Parafield Gardens restrictions at midnight tonight, not Saturday night
3. The Stage 1 Parafield Gardens restrictions (of which greater Adelaide is included) end on Wednesday 25 November or sooner if it is safe to do so
4. A compensation package for businesses who have suffered measurable financial loss during the three-day shutdown, such as food wastage
5. A City Rescue package
The South Australian Business Chamber said Guarantee Service Level Payments exist for extended power outages and could be used a basis for compensation for businesses who have suffered measurable financial loss due to being forced to shut down at the Government’s request.
“The South Australian Business Chamber’s message to the Government is clear: Let’s get back to business without delay,” said Mr Haese.
