Together we must stand

HUGE calls aren’t easy to make.

Especially when the stakes are so high and the situation so unprecedented.

When it comes to the economic positioning by leadership both at a state and federal level, there has been swift action to provide compelling stimulus packages to prop up what will be a devastating period of time for our economy.

Yesterday, Premier Peter Gutwein, who is also the state’s Treasurer, announced a $420 million coronavirus package to ensure that businesses, workforces and communities make it through this storm.

There will be one-off emergency relief payments of $250 for individuals and up to $1000 for families who are required to self-isolate by public health as a result of the virus.

The Government will provide $20 million of interest-free loans and a four-month payroll tax holiday for businesses in the hospitality, tourism, seafood and export sectors as well as a three-month payroll tax holiday for other businesses.

These are good measures and Tasmanians should feel confident that this Government will work hard to ensure our economy recovers.

But Mr Gutwein and other national leaders must have the weight of the world on their shoulders right now.

He has to balance up not writing off the economy with making decisions in the best interests of the health, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians.

Mr Gutwein may be the Treasurer, but he’s a human being first, and there is no doubt in our mind that if he thought measures would save Tasmanian lives – regardless of the impacts on the economy – he would make a bold call.

But he is compelled to act on the advice he gets from the Chief Medical Officer.

To date that advice seems to say that further border control or steps such as closing schools will not necessarily have the desired health outcomes.

However, GPs and other medical experts are imploring the Government to do more to flatten the curve before that window of opportunity closes.

Tasmania is still in the enviable position of not having community transmission of the disease.

When we follow the trajectory in other states and countries, it’s safe to assume that’s a glimpse into our future.

There are overwhelming concerns that with our ageing population and already at-capacity health system, Tasmania simply won’t cope with a surge of demand should we not control the demand curve.

Coronavirus is here and there is no measure that we can put in place that will stop it from eventually spreading. But we absolutely have to slow the rate of infection and play the long game.

Government measures are one thing, but Tasmanians and those travelling to our beautiful state have to take personal responsibility.

If you don’t need to travel interstate, don’t, and if you do, take proactive measures to ensure you aren’t potentially infecting others with coronavirus. You should self-isolate.

If you can work from home, do it, and if you are in the fortunate position to be able to spend money and support local businesses who are doing it ridiculously tough, then do that too.

We all have a part to play and just as important is our role in getting behind our leaders. They should know that if they make a bold call in the interests of our safety, we’ll be behind them every step of the way.

Responsibility for all editorial comment is taken by the Editor, Jenna Cairney, Level 1, 2 Salamanca Square, Hobart, TAS, 7000