Premier
Peter Gutwein must do more to support the East Coast communities impacted by
the closure of the Tasman Highway near Orford.
Acting
Labor Leader Anita Dow said the Premier had been missing in action on the
devastating effects of the highway closure and had failed to announce a support
package for the wider community.
“Yesterday
the Government announced a support package to assist businesses, however this
package does not go nearly far enough and fails to support workers who have
lost their jobs and the wider community,” Ms Dow said.
“Residents
of these communities have seen their travel time increase to unworkable levels
and they deserve compensation for that. Workers who have lost their jobs will
not receive any support, while businesses won’t have the support to keep staff on.”
Ms Dow said
Labor was also concerned that the hardship grants announced may not be enough
and that the Government should consider a 2nd tranche of support grants as
required.
“The
Government need to provide flexible support – not just a one-off payment and
this support must flow quickly with turnover down 75 per cent for some
businesses.
“I will be
on the East Coast tomorrow meeting with affected communities and businesses and
I call on Premier Gutwein as Minister for Tourism to do the same.
“The
Premier must consider what more can be done to help the struggling communities.
“In the
past when there have been significant economic shocks to regional areas the
government has established a task force made up of key representatives from the
community, local government and the State government to plan and respond to the
challenge at hand.
“Labor calls on the government to look at the viability of such a task force on the East Coast, with a goal of coordinating and assisting with the response to the road closure, economic and social recovery post COVID and ongoing support once the Tasman Highway reopens.
“The support announced on Tuesday was an important first step, but it will not solve all of the challenges currently facing our East Coast Communities.”
Anita Dow MP
Acting Labor Leader
