CCIWA Chief Economist
Aaron Morey
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) welcomes the State Government’s commitment of $3,000 in support for WA businesses impacted by the economic lockdown. It is a notable step up in the support offered in previous lockdowns, and has been secured by CCIWA’s work to inform the State Government’s approach.
Critically, it will include impacted regional businesses, a priority call by CCIWA.
Though today’s announcement is less than what CCIWA and the business community asked for, $3,000 will ease the costs that have been borne by WA businesses on behalf of society.
WA small businesses outlined an average financial impact of more than $16,000 from the lockdown and ongoing restrictions, more than double what they lost during the last lockdown. The average impact on regional businesses was $10,000. This has amounted to a $245 million impact on WA businesses and the economy.
The community must now work to ensure that small business owners never incur these sorts of costs again. To this end, we must all roll up our sleeves and vaccinate.
CCIWA extends its thanks to all businesses that helped it to secure an improved outcome. CCIWA looks forward to continued close engagement with the State Government to confront the issues facing WA businesses.
Apply at https://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au from 19 July.
