Coronavirus Qld: Small businesses in renewed call for compensation

Small businesses across Queensland have backed the government’s “circuit-breaker” lockdown to prevent a widespread outbreak of Covid-19, but their discontent at the situation is mounting. Here’s why.

Small businesses across Queensland have backed the government’s “circuit-breaker” lockdown to prevent a widespread outbreak of Covid-19, but calls are mounting for compensation.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland has called for the State Government to provide payments of up to $25,000 to cover loss of stock and trade after the third snap lockdown of the year.

Chamber Policy and Advocacy General Manager Amanda Rohan said traders were hurting despite the shortness of the lockdown.

CCIQ's Amanda Rohan. Pic Annette Dew

“We know businesses recognise the importance of circuit breaker lockdowns to reduce the impacts of a longer harsher restrictions, however there will always be impacts for businesses forced to close or restrict their operations,” she said.

“While we acknowledge the broader need for these short snap lockdowns and the benefits they could present long-term for recovery, it’s important small business are given the support and resources they need.”

She said businesses were stunned by the immediacy of Tuesday’s snap lockdown and urged the state to implement the CCIQ’s Covid-19 Hotspot Recovery Package.

“This is the third lockdown for Queensland businesses and the second without a support package in place since JobKeeper ended,” she said.

“The Covid-19 Hotspot Recovery package will create an opportunity to keep businesses open where able and maintain jobs, and support hotspot declared areas to return to business as usual operations after a period of restricted business activity.”

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said the Premier should adopt the LNP’s proposed business support package, which would provide lump payments for small businesses to cover loss of income due to lockdowns.

“Our phone is ringing off the hook from small businesses which are making decisions in real time today and they just need certainty,” he said.

“The worst decision someone in small business can make is to throw out produce and the second worse is not ordering that produce and missing out on an opportunity to create a shift for somebody and make a few dollars for yourself.

“We’re asking for certainty in uncertain times.”

CCIQ is also urging businesses to be aware of their Check-In Queensland app obligations and if in doubt, ensure customers and patrons check-in to be safe.