Victoria’s plan to reopen is a welcome step in the right direction but more must be done to give people and businesses the ability to make plans, to get jobs back and restore hope, Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said. 

“It’s good see that this plan contains clear trigger points and recognises that regions with fewer cases should be opened up as soon as possible. We also welcome light at the end of the tunnel for 100,000 people whose workplaces will be opened by the end of the month.

“The longer the road out of this, the harder it will be for the state and the nation to recover, get people back to work and create new jobs. A lack of clarity, certainty and consistency has taken a serious toll on people’s wellbeing and put jobs at risk.

“Businesses need predictability, they need know basic things like what to order in time for Christmas, which for many is the difference between keeping their doors open or closing and letting staff go.

“Where businesses can operate safely with strict protocols in place, they should be allowed to open, and people should be allowed to work. 

“Rules should be based on evidence and a risk management approach because every decision we make has an impact on someone’s job, their mental health and their well-being.

“If NSW can learn from their mistakes to manage the virus and open back up safely, there is no reason Victoria can’t do the same.

“Employers are committed to working constructively with the Victorian Government to solve problems, get people safely back to work and position us for recovery.”