Message from Alan Tudge, Federal MP for Aston

The past couple of months have been incredibly difficult for our nation and community. Thankfully, due to the efforts of all Australians, we are now starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Together, we have saved countless lives, but unfortunately there continue to be many livelihoods at risk.

The next challenge for our country is to get people back to work. Every week that we are closed for business the economy loses $4 billion – that is the median weekly wage of 4 million Australians.

Local businesses have been courageous in their efforts to stay open and continue to employ staff during this crisis. Many have adapted by moving online or providing takeaway and thousands have made use of the JobKeeper scheme and other government schemes to support their workers and keep them employed.

To all these local businesses, thank you. You have each made a tangible difference in softening the blow of this crisis by keeping people employed.

Even with these efforts, the economy cannot begin to rebuild without lifting restrictions. We must reopen the economy but do so in a way that avoids causing a second wave of infections.

To do this, the National Cabinet and Prime Minister have decided on a three-step plan for a COVIDsafe Australia. Each Premier will decide the pace of moving through this plan in their state, but the hope is that we will have 850,000 jobs restarted in July.

The plan will be adjusted where necessary, but will look something like this:

Step 1 may include:

• Five visitors at home, 10 in business and public places.
• Work from home if it works for you and your employer.
• Restaurants, cafes and shopping centres open.
• Libraries, community centres, playgrounds and bootcamps open.
• Local and regional travel.

Step 2 may include:

• Gatherings of 20 at home, business and public places.
• Work from home if it works for you and your employer.
• Gyms, beauty, cinemas, galleries and amusement parks open.
• Caravan and camping grounds.
• Some interstate travel.

Step 3 may include:

• Gathering sizes increased to 100.
• Return to workplaces.
• Nightclubs, food courts, saunas open.
• All interstate travel.
• Consider cross-Tasman, Pacific Islands and international students travel.

I will continue to keep you updated on the situation through your letterbox, social media and via email. And if you do have any questions please contact my office.

As always, for the latest information and advice, please visit www.australia.gov.au

By working together, we can, and we will stay on top of coronavirus and continue on the road to recovery.

Alan Tudge