LOCKDOWN TO FORCE BUSINESS TO CLOSE
A STANTHORPE hairdresser locked out of Queensland is pleading for a change to border exemptions, fearing she will be forced to close her business for good if she can’t get back soon.
Hair of Distinction owner Jenni Herb lives in Tenterfield, just 10km from the border, but runs her small business in Stanthorpe.
Since the hard border closure between New South Wales and Queensland, Ms Herb has been locked out of the state, unable to work.
“This border lockdown is so unfair. I’m stuck here (in NSW), I have an apprentice who can’t go to work,” she said.
“I’m really desperate. I originally thought the lockdown was going to finish this week, but it’s going to go for another 10 weeks. I won’t survive another 10 weeks, I’ll be out of business.”
Ms Herb said she feels defeated and frustrated that others can be declared essential workers and be granted exemptions to cross the border, but as a sole trader she cannot.
“I have not a cent to my name. Can’t pay mortgage, rent, wages and trying to get government help is (useless) because I am a sole trader,” she said.
“This is my only form of income, (my employees) will be out of a job at the end of the week if I can't get an exemption.”
Ms Herb said she had reached out to many government personnel pleading for them to change the exemption criteria.
“Open the border if it’s just for border people to go to work. Let the workers through to earn a living,” she said.