Where the jobs in SA have gone since the COVID-19 shutdown

In the first three weeks of the coronavirus lockdown, SA lost more than 5 per cent of its jobs. The Premier says his government must do more to help businesses survive the next six months.

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Premier Steven Marshall has promised more relief for business owners and landlords, as new figures show 44,000 SA jobs lost to the coronavirus in three weeks.

The figures were released as the fate of hundreds of South Australian-based Virgin Australia staff hangs in the balance, with the airline placed into voluntary administration.

Tourism and hospitality leaders have called for the locals to back the sector – where there has been a 30 per cent reduction in jobs – by embracing a new tracking app that would help officials work out where the coronavirus is in the community.

New figures, released on Tuesday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show SA has lost an estimated 5.2 per cent of its jobs between March 14 (when Australia recorded its 100th COVID-19) case and April 4.

On March 15 an estimated 852,000 jobs existed in SA, meaning about 44,000 of those have been lost in the three week period.

Data on job losses in South Australia during the Coronavirus shutdown.

Data on job losses in South Australia during the Coronavirus shutdown.

Mr Marshall said the State Government has pledged two stimulus packages worth a combined $1 billion to deal with the economic crisis, however more would need to be done.

“But there is going to have to be more to support these businesses through this very difficult period,” he said.

“Some businesses are continuing to trade on significantly lower revenue while some have chosen to hibernate. Our goal as a government is to get as many of those businesses over the bridge of the next six months so they can bounce back on the other side.”

Mr Marshall said there would be more relief for business owners and landlords announced soon.

The new ABS figures showed more than 30 per cent of the job losses have come from the hospitality and restaurant sector.

Data on job losses in South Australia during the Coronavirus shutdown.

Australian Hotels Association SA chief Ian Horne said the use of the Federal Government’s COVID-19 app would need to form an important part of any relaxing of social gathering – particularly for hotels, restaurants, bars and hospitality.

“Hotels and hospitality are all about socialising, interacting and engaging with each other which is problematic in the current circumstances that demands separation,” Mr Horne said.

“This app should be embraced by all those that enjoy the camaraderie of our industry and as a ‘good citizen’ gesture for fellow patrons.”

His sentiments were shared by SA’s Tourism Industry Council Shaun de Bruyn, who said it would be a personal decision for individuals but “everyone needs to give it strong consideration.”

People queuing outside the Centrelink office at Norwood in late March, during the first wave of the coronavirus jobs crisis. Picture: Kelly Barnes/AAP

Opposition Treasury spokesman Stephen Mullighan raised the issue of land tax relief.

“There is more that we would hope State Government are looking at in terms of land tax relief, so that landlords can have more confidence in supporting their tenants by reducing rents,” he said.

“We also think that there is more the State Government can be doing in reducing taxes, fees and charges.”

The data shows that, of the jobs, lost one in 10 had been held by people aged 20 and less. Females were more likely to have lost their jobs at a rate of 5.7 per cent compared to males, 4.9 per cent.

Data on job losses in South Australia during the Coronavirus shutdown.

SA Council of Social Services chief Ross Womersley said these needed more support. “It is essential the government find the means to extend the jobseeker payment to these people – many of whom have been in casual roles in the arts and hospitality sectors,” he said.

Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink urged those struggling to see if they were one of the 11,000 South Australians eligible for a once-off $500 cash boost to help ease cost of living pressures that will start arriving in bank accounts this week.

Treasurer Rob Lucas said the data “tells us what we already know, and that is we are facing the greatest economic challenge of our time.”

“The State Government will continue to do whatever we can to keep as many South Australians in jobs as possible over this period,” he said.