The two peak bodies for small businesses in New South Wales and Victoria, Business NSW and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce, have released a joint statement calling for the two states to remove border restrictions when vaccination rates hit 80%.
New South Wales has already committed to reopening its internal economy to double vaccinated individuals when their number reaches 70%, while Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is expected to announce plans for his state over the weekend.
The two peak bodies have now called for restrictions to be lifted within their own jurisdictions, allowing for trade across Australia’s two most populous states.
“NSW and Victoria have an opportunity to lead the way for Australia with high vaccination rates and our ability to live with COVID as part of our normal everyday lives,” said Business NSW chief executive Daniel Hunter.
“NSW and Victoria are the engine room of the Australian economy and our respective Governments need to be clear with business on what COVID Normal looks when we reach that 80 per cent fully vaccinated threshold. Business needs certainty and they need that now.
“The 70 per cent roadmap for NSW was a great start, now let’s take that ambition further. Australia’s COVID recovery should transcend politics. Our businesses in NSW and Victoria need clarity on when they can resume their strong economic and socioeconomic connection.”
“Business needs certainty so they can re-employ staff and re-engage with their customer base.”
“We need to be able to say to NSW and Victoria ‘at 80 per cent double dose that our businesses will be open, our state borders will be open and you can plan your Christmas holiday, catch up with family or attend that conference without fear of it being cancelled.’”
Hunter’s Victorian counterpart, Paul Guerra, spoke of the interconnectedness of Sydney and Melbourne business in particular, and their importance to the wider Australian economy.
“Pre-COVID, the Melbourne-Sydney flight route was one of the busiest in the world which is testament to the interdependent economies and communities of both states and our governments must facilitate a return to that collaboration to get our nation’s business heart pumping once again,” he said.
“This is a race – a nationwide race – to get Australia humming again and we all know that the best way to win is through team work, collaboration and determination. Victorian and NSW businesses are up for the challenge and are looking to our political leaders to guide the way.”
“We know our border communities rely on each other for education, employment and tourism and the NSW and Victorian COVID-19 Recovery Roadmaps must address the unique issues they face to ensure their economic survival as we hit vaccination targets.”
READ MORE: Are SMEs ready for reopening?
