Tuesday, 25 August 2020
The South Australian Business Chamber says abuse targeted at essential workers coming into South Australia needs to stop.
The peak independent business body has received reports of disgusting behaviour towards essential workers including Victorian drivers being spat on.
South Australian business owners have also told the South Australian Business Chamber of instances where essential workers’ cars have been keyed by members of the general public, smeared with dog faeces while drivers have been sprayed with Glen 20 and refused access to toilets at service stations.
The South Australian Business Chamber CEO, Martin Haese said he was shocked by the reports.
“This behaviour is despicable and disgusting,” he said.
“The South Australian Business Chamber says a strong message needs to be sent to the community that this type of abuse will not be tolerated and if caught in the act, there will be punishment.”
The peak independent business group said workers in commercial transport and freight services, emergency services, defence and agricultural and primary industries were classified as “essential” and granted special permits to enter South Australia from Victoria.
“Many South Australian businesses are relying on these essential workers to deliver vital supplies,” said Mr Haese.
“These are the people that are helping to keep the wheels of our economy turning and our businesses open, yet some are being unfairly targeted.”
“South Australia’s economy is intrinsically linked with Victoria, which is particularly obvious from a tourism perspective. The latest available figures show Victorian visitors spent $1.03 billion here in 2019 alone.”
“This behaviour sends the wrong message. All tourists, including Victorians once it is safe to do so, should feel welcome and safe in our State.”
“There is no doubt the challenging situation in Victoria has required some difficult decisions to be made to protect the overall health interests of the State and hopefully these measures are only temporary and business in our border towns can get back to normal as soon as possible.”
“But the situation in Victoria doesn’t mean we should treat our interstate neighbours with contempt.”
“The South Australian Business Chamber fears if this abuse continues there may be irreparable damage to our business reputation and economy.”
“The abuse must stop.”
