Coronavirus update: Michael Gunner to update business on new economic stimulus

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has called the emergency management committee of Cabinet together, as the coronavirus pandemic continues. He will also host a summit with business leaders on Monday.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner has called an emergency cabinet meeting as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

The committee — consisting of the Chief Minister, Attorney-General and Health Minister Natasha Fyles and Deputy Chief Minister and Treasurer Nicole Manison — will meet each morning to discuss issues the Territory is facing.

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The committee — consisting of the Chief Minister, Attorney-General and Health Minister Natasha Fyles and Deputy Chief Minister and Treasurer Nicole Manison — will meet each morning to discuss issues the Territory is facing.

The Sunday Territorian can also reveal the Chief Minister will host a summit for Territory business leaders on Monday.

The summit will include briefings for business groups including Master Builders, the Chamber of Commerce, the Manufacturers Council, the Property Council, Tourism Top End and the Darwin Major Business Group.

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At the summit, deputy chief health officer Di Stephens will brief the attendees on the latest health situation and advice, while Mr Gunner will discuss Friday’s COAG meeting and his discussions on economic stimulus with the Prime Minister.

The group will also discuss the Government’s second round of economic stimulus, expected to be released next week, and potential measures.

Mr Gunner said the aim of the meeting was to ensure the business community and the government were on the same page and working together to help reduce the impact on businesses and workers from the coronavirus.

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He said it was also about ensuring the business community and government were showing the community there was confidence in the economy.

“Let’s not beat around the bush – the Territory economy is going to cop a whack from the coronavirus, and we’re working round the clock to protect local jobs and businesses as much as we possibly can,” he said.

“We are on the front line of this with business, and I appreciate their support as we act swiftly to protect jobs.

“If we’re going to protect Territory businesses and jobs, we’ve got to work together and stick together. That’s what we’re doing.”

A concurrent meeting will also be held in Alice Springs on Monday for local business groups, hosted by Dale Wakefield.