Each day in NSW we learn that the numbers of people infected with this most virulent strain of COVID-19 is a record, worse than the previous day’s heart-breaking figures. After five weeks of lockdowns and mounting restrictions on the way where those in our largest state live and work, the latest rules are set to be in place for some time. Officially it is until the end of August. However, every pundit is predicting much longer, even the rest of the year. The cost in lives, livelihoods, and dreams are immeasurable. Earlier in July, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg tried to sooth nerves by predicting a recession unlikely. However, inflation is the highest it has been for decades, and incomes the lowest.
Last month I wrote that vaccination was the only, sure way that our economy will get back to some equilibrium, or even certainty. And, it is the still far too low take up of the jab – particularly amongst the young and those in vulnerable communities – that prompted NSW’s extreme measures to ban small family gatherings, close schools, warn against supermarket shopping and take up delivery services, and to shut down Sydney building sites. Not even Melbourne at the height of its numerous lockdowns had a blanket ban on construction.
“Banks, councils, and utility providers are restoring hardship measures to assist those who are doing it tough. There is also government income support paid directly to families.”
Commercial recovery specialists see the reality of all those gloomy economic figures. Our work means we talk to a range of people, many in deep financial stress. We have insights into the fears and uncertainties that have thwarted the take up of vaccines. It is no help to go over the mixed messages that have led to outright – often unreasonable – fear of a life-saving vaccine. We can, in our small way, bring some balance by urging them to talk to doctors, pharmacists and nurses who will assure them that the low risk of any reaction (in my case a few aches that lasted a couple of days) outweighs the high risk of death or certainty of severe, debilitating illness. In the US, President Biden is calling it a ‘pandemic of the unvaccinated’. Our own figures are showing increasing numbers of young people (under 40) being hospitalized and even dying. All of them not vaccinated.
Another way we can help families and businesses in distress is to remind them of the financial help available. Banks, councils, and utility providers are restoring hardship measures to assist those who are doing it tough. There is also government income support paid directly to families. The key is to encourage these people – who, we must not forget are overwhelmed by this disaster – that communicating, asking for help, making applications for financial support, are a way out. The same goes for businesses. The federal government has increased weekly payments to that sector from $10,000 to $100,000 per week. Obviously all this support needs to be applied for, and we know that the bureaucracy can be overwhelming. What is key is to encourage people to bite-the-bullet and ask for help in getting the support they deserve. And to also get vaccinated.
Yours sincerely,
Brian Carter
Chairman