"Victoria and Victorians are to be congratulated on achieving the vaccination levels that will deliver real freedom to the State later this week. Victorians will feel a weight lifted off their shoulders," Tim Piper, the Victorian Head of the peak employer association Ai Group, said today.
"Everybody in the community will benefit from the reopening. Victorians need to get their mojo back and we can all feel better about ourselves. Businesses that had been all but mothballed can return to full steam and provide jobs and services that will help start the long climb back to normal.
"Businesses are pleased the government has recognised the call to provide certainty and to open up ahead of next weekend when people will be taking long weekends, wanting to travel and shop and to attend the Cup Carnival.
"The fewer restrictions should enable a greater normalisation of commerce, and, very soon, also enable us to be working across state borders.
"However, these restrictions are by no means at an end for the country as a whole and we need all other states to open as quickly as possible.
"The Victorian economy is coming from a long way back. Some businesses will continue to need support and encouragement from government and, indeed, from consumers. But manufacturers can now ramp up, retailers can open, and our community mindset will improve as these restrictions are removed.
"It will also be great to see Melbourne as one with Regional Victoria. Every day that we retain any sort of restriction is a day that negatively affects livelihoods and families.
"The State needs no more lockdowns, curfews and mindless restrictions. Victorians have suffered enough. The time is now to look forward and get the State and our economy back on its feet. It will not be easy and we need to absorb the lessons learned and not repeat mistakes," Mr Piper said.
Further comment
Tim Piper – 0411 430 301
