Chris Rodwell
CCIWA Chief Executive Officer
13 March 2020
The COVID-19 outbreak poses a mounting threat to the Australian economy. To arm businesses across the nation with the resources they need to prepare, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA has released a free, continually-updated business response guide online, the first and most comprehensive in Australia.
covid19.cciwa.com/ provides businesses with a full set of resources to help them protect their workers, ensure they meet their duty of care responsibilities, managing travel, working from home, business continuity and communications with staff. It provides businesses of all sizes with tools to better prepare, with practical videos and written advice on matters like hygiene protocols, the risk to workers and managing annual leave.
CCIWA feels strongly that this resource is a vital tool for the public good.
We recognise that we have a leadership role to play in times of national uncertainty to help protect the community and the broader economy. This resource complements CCIWA’s disaster response and business continuity guide, which was released publicly when the bushfires hit.
Our Employee Relations Advice Centre has taken hundreds of calls in recent weeks in support of proactive businesses wanting to make sure they are ahead of these difficult issues and prepared to manage the impacts of COVID-19 as they unfold.
Australians’ wellbeing and prosperity depends on high functioning economy. It provides the jobs, the confidence and the certainty that people need to uphold their dreams for career and family. It depends on the entrepreneurial spirit of businesses of all shapes and sizes, and it’s essential these businesses know the necessary steps to make a difference in times of difficulty.
We acknowledge the close consultation of both levels of government in building the national response. CCIWA has welcomed yesterday’s fiscal stimulus from the Federal Government, which brings forward business investment, protects jobs and fortifies the economy. We continue to work with the State Government as the response evolves and are encouraged by their consideration of payroll tax relief or deferment for vulnerable businesses.
As the COVID-19 outbreak unfolds we will be delivering further tools and products to help support the business community, their employees and the broader community.
