"The NSW Premier's reported 50K expansion of the NSW-VIC border bubble is a positive move that could be realistically extended to all regional Victoria," Mark Goodsell, NSW Head of the national employer association Ai Group, said today.
"Being able to travel 50 kilometres will help some in the community whose lives and businesses have been so badly disrupted but the border closure itself is not supported by the facts.
"Given that travel is extremely limited out of Melbourne and Mitchell Shire where virtually all the COVID cases are located and regional COVID cases have been rare, the border closure to the whole of Victoria makes no sense. NSW Police effectively have roadblocks set up to stop people from Melbourne who can't easily get to the border in any case.
"With Victoria reluctant to end lockdown, NSW can lead the way by ending the unnecessary VIC border closure," Mr Goodsell said.
Tim Farrah, Ai Group's Regional Manager Hume & Riverina, said: "The financial and social impact of the border closure on NSW residents has been significant, whilst arguably doing nothing to fight the spread of COVID-19. At a time when the community was starting to recover from the impacts of the initial lockdown, the border closure has put the Government's foot on the neck of the local community. The border closure needs to be rescinded immediately," Mr Farrah said.
Further comment: Tim Farrah – 0400 662 101
