Business leaders warn Daniel Andrews road map is putting livelihoods at risk
Some of Victoria’s most experienced business and industry leaders have branded the state’s road map out of restriction as “unrealistic” and “overambitious” with many saying it will destroy livelihoods if it isn’t changed. Read their plea to Daniel Andrews here.
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“The Victorian Government’s road map for reopening the state economy took the retail sector and Kmart Group by complete surprise. We were not provided with any forewarning in relation to the massive extension to the continued closure of retail trading that was announced. Best case scenarios will see our stores start to re-open from October 26 which means, our stores will have been closed in metro Melbourne for a minimum of 12 weeks.”
IAN BAILEY, managing director of KMART GROUP (including Kmart, Target and Catch stores) which employs about 15,000 Victorians
“The targets of five cases a day for 14 days to go to step three, and zero cases for 14 days to go to step four, are overambitious. I don’t think anyone should underestimate the economic and mental health toll this is having … I am heartened that by September28 most of manufacturing and construction would be open under this road map.”
BEN DAVIS, state secretary of the AUSTRALIAN WORKERS’ UNION, which represents tens of thousands of workers, including in construction and manufacturing
“There has been a lack of consultation with business. Political leaders are taking health advice but why is the advice so different across states and countries? Victorian politicians have made quick decisions without understanding the full implications. All of the issues that have come up come back to poor planning and the poor residents of Victoria feel the pinch in everyway.”
BERNIE BROOKES, owner of accessories giant COLETTE, which is closing 100 of its 138 Australian stores, with 600 of its 900 staff to lose their jobs
“What Victoria has done to date is probably the right thing but when it gets down to having under 20 cases a day, or under10, then they need to be like New South Wales. If Victoria thinks they are going to get it down to nil for two weeks running then they are going to decimate Melbourne. You can eliminate the virus and then one week later it can be back.”
GERRY HARVEY, chair of HARVEY NORMAN, one of the nation’s largest whitegoods and electronics chains
“The current road map relies on meeting a case incidence rate that has not been achieved anywhere in Australia, or globally outside Taiwan. This means the dates become irrelevant. We won’t eliminate this virus in Victoria, but the road map is already successfully eliminating thousands of businesses.”
ADIR SHIFFMAN, executive chairman of Melbourne-based CATAPULT SPORTS, which sell its sports analytics technology to 3000 teams across the globe
“Manufacturing being closed means we are impacted. Manufacturing can have a supply chain that is more complex, business inventories need to be prepared and skilled people returned, and the road map is lacking in enough information to make informed decisions. It is contingent on case numbers, and that’s not how business operates.”
JONATHAN CLANCY, CEO of plastics maker QENOS, one of Victoria’s biggest manufacturers
“We accept the need for a staged return to regular shopping, but the road map is very disappointing given retail’s exemplary safety record. The daily case rate targets are unrealistic, given New South Wales was successfully and safely open with around 10 to 18 daily cases last month. Health can’t be measured by a single metric. Financial health and mental health impacts are also critical. Without further financial support, we’ll see many small businesses wiped out and stores closed.”
PAUL ZAHRA, chief of the AUSTRALIAN RETAILERS ASSOCIATION, which represents more than 7000 retail businesses
“I’m more concerned about the mental health impact … We are fortunate our manufacturing is in Shepparton in country Victoria and you’re never 100 per cent protected but have all the protocols in place and so far we have continued to manufacture. Where it has slowed us down is we have one big capital project pending that has been put on hold because of restrictions in place … That will have financial implications.”
CHARLIE MCLEISH, managing director of home products manufacturer PENTAL, which produces White King, Softly, Huggie and has 158 employees
“We don’t underestimate the health and economic challenges faced by Victorians at this difficult time. It is important the current outbreak is brought under control so that people can get back to work, businesses operating again and life returns to some sense of normalcy.”
MATT COMYN, CHIEF OF THE COMMONWEALTH BANK
“We have a road map to nowhere. Nobody wants any more deaths but if businesses die, which they are, then that will unleash more catastrophic events. The lives and livelihoods of people who have invested their life savings in their businesses are being ruined.”
GRANT COHEN, managing director of BLOCK ARCADE, which dates back to 1891
“I am calling on the State Government to work with us urgently on … immediate additional financial assistance for businesses prevented from operating due to restrictions, and a commitment to continuous review and a more flexible approach which allows businesses to reopen sooner in a covid-responsible way. I am also calling for consistency. If the national definition for hot spots is 10 cases per day for 3 days, why not use this benchmark for reopening businesses and industries such as retail and hospitality?”
SALLY CAPP, Lord Mayor of the CITY OF MELBOURNE
“The Victorian Government’s extended freedom of movement restrictions and subsequent prolonged reduction in fuel demand has placed unprecedented pressure on Altona Refinery. The recently announced extended Victorian restrictions, with low case numbers to move to COVID normal, will curtail demand for a long and unpredictable time and makes medium term planning very difficult.”
NATHAN FAY, chair of oil and gas corporation EXXONMOBIL, which operates the Altona refinery which employs 350 workers
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