The TCCI continues to question Premier Peter Gutwein’s COVID strategy

One of the Tasmanian Liberals’ biggest cheerleaders has expressed further alarm about business viability during the state’s continuing COVID restrictions.

PREMIER Peter Gutwein’s doubling down on the border closure has displeased the state’s business lobby, which is worried the state is headed for an “economic shockwave”.

Confirmation from health officials there was a one-in-10 million chance of a case of coronavirus being imported into Tasmania from places that were not virus hot spots renewed industry groups’ calls for a Tasmanian travel bubble with other COVID-free states.

However, Mr Gutwein stood by the December 1 border reopening on Saturday, prompting a further alarm from the TCCI on Sunday.

“We don’t want to be in a position where our borders are shut, there are no travel bubbles and JobKeeper, which is supporting a huge number of Tasmanian businesses, is wound back,” TCCI CEO Michael Bailey said.

“The economic shockwave of that would be devastating.”

“The government is managing the risks to public health, but seems to be ignoring the risks to the jobs of thousands of Tasmanians and scores of Tasmanian businesses.

“Unlike Western Australia, which has a massive resource industry and a relatively small visitor economy, we cannot operate indefinitely with our borders shut.

“All we’re asking for is the government to listen to public health advice regarding the low likelihood of COVID transmission from some other states.”

TCCI CEO Michael Bailey. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

A state government spokesman said the continued border closure was about protecting Tasmanian businesses and jobs in addition to protecting public health.

“Many businesses that have reopened would not be able to do so a second time if we had to close them again if there was a second wave like Victoria is facing,” the spokesman said.

“We’ll continue to be guided by expert advice and weigh all these factors up when deciding the appropriate time to open up but the health and safety of all Tasmanians will always be our number one priority.”

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