‘Let’s get back to business’: Territory economy should reopen as soon as safely possible, says Chamber of Commerce boss Greg Ireland

THE Territory’s Chamber of Commerce boss has doubled down in his call for businesses to reopen as soon as it’s safe to do so if they are to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Territory’s Chamber of Commerce boss has doubled down in his call for businesses to reopen as soon as it’s safe to do so if they are to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Picture: IStock

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THE Territory’s Chamber of Commerce boss has doubled down in his call for businesses to reopen as soon as it’s safe to do so if they are to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an opinion piece written for the Sunday Territorian, Chamber of Commerce interim chief executive Greg Ireland has said it was important to start rebuilding the economy as soon as possible.

“To minimise the damage, we need to start along the economic restoration pathway as soon as possible,” he said.

“We need to reopen our businesses, get people back to work, buy things from each other, invigorate investment and return to economic activity as soon as it is safe to do so.

“Businesses need to be able to get back to more normal operations if they are to survive – and in the longer term, to thrive.”

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He said government financial assistance could only help to a certain extent.

“Our governments have shown resolve and leadership to protect lives and protect jobs,” Mr Ireland said.

“But no amount of government assistance can replace the income and business vigour that customers generate.”

However, Mr Ireland said getting the economy back to business needed to be balanced with protecting Territorians from further spread of the virus, and particularly to protect vulnerable remote Aboriginal communities.

“Thankfully, through decisive action by the Northern Territory Government and the unprecedented cooperative approach by the national cabinet, the Territory is the only Australian jurisdiction not to have recorded any community transmission of the coronavirus,” he said.

“We all need to continue to do our part to keep it that way.”

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In laying out a few guiding principles for the NT Government to follow, the Chamber of Commerce recommends prioritising reopening areas where jobs are at stake and the risk of spread is low.

“Reopening should prioritise business sectors, and locations where most jobs are at stake, and are lower risk, and also ensure that the health services continue to build their capacity to detect and manage any outbreaks,” Mr Ireland said.

Other recommendations from include a progressive easing of restrictions, with different rules for different parts of the Territory.