BUSINESSES DESERVE EMPATHY AND RESPECT IN CRISIS

SINCE the global pandemic drastically changed our way of life little more than a year ago, I have spoken to dozens of small business owners and managers, some struggling through tears to detail crippling COVID-19 impacts.

They have watched helplessly as businesses built up over decades have all but crumbled in months, despite desperate efforts to push on and welcome assistance from governments, including JobKeeper, which has now come to an end.

One common theme: a lack of certainty around the decision-making which leads to lockdowns and restrictions.

Gold Coasters have told me they have little idea when more stringent conditions will be imposed and no way to plan for what is already an unpredictable future.

Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce president Martin Hall has repeatedly called for more clarity, as has the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ).

In most cases, businesses are not keen to pick a fight with the state government – they simply want to be kept in the loop to protect their hardfought livelihoods.

But little information has been forthcoming from the Palaszczuk government. I’ve sent hundreds of questions to the Premier’s office over the past 12 months, many which go unanswered.

So, the uncertainty drags on and operators face nailbiting waits each and every time new virus cases crop up, as they almost inevitably will in a pandemic.

It seems similar situations can lead to vastly differing unexpected impositions – the restrictions around face masks come to mind. They are being mandated for the first time in Queensland.

It’s tough to lob criticism at a government that appears to be doing its best in an ever-changing situation – and I do understand the government was likely voted back in large part thanks to its success managing the coronavirus crisis.

But I can’t help but feel intensely sorry for businesses caught in the middle.

Disappointingly, some operators who have stuck their head above the parapet to complain and ask for more transparency have been labelled whingers by some.

I assume the critics do not have businesses which have been decimated through no fault of their own. Sure, we’re all in this together, and the pandemic has been tough on all of us, but I don’t think these businesses deserve scorn. They deserve a friendly ear and some understanding.

The tourism sector alone on the Coast haemorrhaged more than $3.2bn due to the loss of 5.5 million visitors last year. Perhaps a little more clarity from the government would safeguard further unnecessary business losses.