The South Australian business community is thrilled with yesterday’s announcement from Treasurer Rob Lucas that 100 per cent of public service can now return to the office – returning the much-missed foot traffic to Adelaide’s streets.
The South Australian Business Chamber Chief Executive Officer, Martin Haese, says that CBD businesses have struggled over the past few months following the borders reopening on 23 November and sees this as a pivotal point in the state’s post-COVID recovery.
“Businesses in the CBD, especially in hospitality and tourism, have had to deal with setback after setback. From Omicron entering the state late last year, which saw new restrictions imposed at what should have been the busiest time of the year, to stay at home pleadings from the government, has really tested their resilience.
“We’ve heard very sad stories from some of our members about efforts taken to keep their businesses going. We listened and advocated strongly to the state government to pull every lever to support these struggling businesses. We are pleased they listened. Bringing back the Monday-to-Friday public service crowd will mean a whole lot more to the café, restaurant, and retailer they walk past each day.
Corporate employers indicated they would follow suit, and now we expect them to do just that.
“Adelaide was a ghost town only a couple of weeks ago, but we are now seeing a shift,” Mr Haese said. “With the Fringe already in full swing and the Adelaide Festival kicking off this Friday, optimism is returning to the city.
“Recent support packages from the State Government and the City of Adelaide have been timely and necessary. This added step of lifting workplace restrictions will see the customers return and let businesses do what they do best – get back to business.”
Media Contact
Anthony Caldwell
Manager, Marketing — the South Australian Business Chamber
anthony.caldwell@business-sa.com
0421 508 075
