Victoria's peak business lobby group say the federal government must make sure pandemic payments don't cripple the economy more than outbreaks would.
Victoria's peak business group is urging the federal government not to continue COVID support payments a day longer than necessary.The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the support payments would be justified if they prevent a widespread COVID outbreakThe state government is recruiting an extra 400 staff to support stressed Victorian hospitals
There had been mounting pressure on government after the scheme expired on June 30, with concerns vulnerable Australians would not be able to afford to isolate despite having the virus."I want to make sure that people aren't left behind, that vulnerable people are looked after and that no-one is faced with the unenviable choice of not being able to isolate properly without losing an income and without being put in a situation that is very difficult," he said.
Paul Guerra said the government must ensure it keeps the balance between supporting people in need and running the economy into debt. Federal Secretary Annie Butler said it will allow people to abide by critical public health measures to try to contain the virus during winter. "There are a lot of staff absences due to illness and people are finding it difficult having to work extra hard to provide the same level of service so I think we're all a bit frustrated and we're still in the middle of a pretty serious pandemic," she said.