Reopen, reunite, recover

Business Council of Australia research shows eight out of 10 Australians want lockdowns and restrictions phased out and state borders reopened once we meet our 80 per cent vaccination targets.

We urge all state and territory leaders to stick to the national reopening plan so we can get back to the people and activities we love.

Communities and many small and family businesses are doing it tough and we owe it to them to move forward as one nation instead of standing still as a collection of divided states.

As states begin to announce their individual reopening roadmaps, we’re urging that state borders reopening be factored into their timelines.

This isn’t just about the staggering economic cost of lockdowns and state border closures, it’s about letting Australians see their loved ones again, meet up with friends and just get on with their lives.

For businesses, it means they can plan for Christmas, start ordering supplies and roster on staff for more hours.

For individuals, it means they can welcome back their friends and families with open arms and breathe life back into their communities.

The pathway out doesn’t mean losing focus on the health challenge, it means giving ourselves the ability to adapt to changes and maintain the capacity of our health system.

If we fail to plan now Australia risks falling behind as other nations get on with the task of attracting new investment, new jobs and new opportunities.

The longer we delay planning to reopen and reunite, the bigger the risk to our nation’s reputation as a good place to do business, invest, visit and create jobs.

Authorised by J. Wilson, Business Council of Australia, 42/120 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000