- Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is under increasing pressure to open-up the state, when he announces the next-stage of COVID-19 restrictions
- Unemployement in the state remains high, however Premier Andrews has indicated no relief will be offered to shuttered businesses
- Instead the pandemic roadmap to be released by the Andrews Government will focus on easing social restrictions in Melbourne
- The changes to lockdown come as neighbouring NSW begins accepting more overseas tourists who haven’t quarantined – despite recently recording more COVID-19 cases than Victoria
- Meantime, Premier Andrews isn’t the only state leader under pressure to re-open, with increased scrutiny on the WA Government’s hard border
- Mark McGowan has given conflicting reasons for keeping the border closer until April 2021
The Victorian Premier is again under pressure to open-up the state, when he announces the next-stage of COVID-19 restrictions this weekend.
Daniel Andrews will release another roadmap to lifting coronavirus relation lockdowns this Sunday, October 18.
Amongst the measures to be announced is a possible easing of the 5-kilometre lockdown curfew, first brought into effect on August 2.
However, the Premier has used a press conference today to warn the new roadmap will only look at easing social restrictions – not economic ones.
His comment’s are a blow for businesses across Melbourne, who’ve been barred from operating as usual during the second wave of COVID-19 infections which began in late-June.
Recent figures show Victoria’s unemployment rate is hovering at 6.7 per cent, and underployment has blown out to a huge 14.9 per cent.
The slow easing of restrictions has also angered many business owners across Melbourne and wider Victoria, who have been unable to operate for months.
Business Council of Australia Chief Executive Jennifer Westacot said the pain being felt by small business owners in particular was excruciating.
“We now need a plan that brings forward the opening up of the Victorian economy. A plan that is certain for business, a plan that has some very clear timetables and a plan that sees the Victorian economy opening,” she told the ABC.
The business lobby group chief also pointed out the discrepancies between the NSW and Victorian Governments, with Sydney buisinesses allowed to operate despite the state recently recording more cases of COVID-19.
“They’ve been able to open their economy and create over 300,00 jobs back and we need to see the same from Victoria,” Jennifer said.
NSW has not only allowed business to largely run as normal throughout the later stages of the pandemic, it’s also begun accepting tourists from New Zealand who haven’t quarantined upon arrival.
The opening of a so-called travel bubble today has re-ignited debate not only on Victoria’s COVID-19 restrictions, but other state’s like WA’s.
The Western Australian Government has kept its interstate border shut since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in March.
However, the WA Premier has been questioned for his reasons for keeping it closed as the health advice no longer requires travel restrictions.
Mark McGowan is unlikely to bow to the pressure to allow more travellors in and out of the state, as his Government has previously signalled it won’t reopen until April next year.