CORONAVIRUS —
TOURISM INDUSTRY
421. Mr W.R. MARMION to the Premier:
I thank the Premier for the answer.
I have a supplementary question. Can the Premier confirm that in the same
article I referred to, Lucid Economics revealed that there are 42 job losses
every single day he keeps the interstate border closed? What is the Premier
doing to help these struggling businesses that have been disproportionately
impacted by his decision?
Mr M.
McGOWAN replied:
We have put in place a whole range
of measures—payroll tax cuts, a freeze on fees and charges, and a $14 million
tourism package to be shared amongst businesses, which is more generous than
any other state.
Mr W.R. Marmion interjected.
Mr M. McGOWAN: The member
asked me the question. We have put in place a range of measures across Western Australia to support industry. The most
important thing we are doing is protecting Western Australians from the
spread of coronavirus. Every businessperson I have spoken to says that although
it is difficult, it would be far more
difficult if the virus comes back. If the virus comes back and we have to shut
down the economy, imagine what would
happen then. It would be absolutely devastating for businesses across Western Australia.
The member seems to be advocating for that. We are going to bring down
the border arrangement when it is safe to do so. I understand that it is
difficult for some businesses, but the border arrangement has allowed us, as I said,
to open up the economy far more than any other state in Australia. Imagine if
we were in South Australia, which is allowed 20 people in a room, subject to
the four-square-metre rule. Very few cafes, bars or restaurants can even open.
It is the same in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania. Here we
have relative normality back in the hospitality industry. The hospitality industry understands that. The pubs, clubs and
the Australian Hotels Association understands that. Our arrangements in Western
Australia have allowed that to occur because we have had the security of a border
arrangement.
We will bring down the interstate
border in due course. The international border—from the tone of the
member's remarks, he seems to be suggesting it should also come down—keeps
us safe from the spread of the virus internationally. I support that closure as
well. Although we have a very strong export economy and we have very strong
international relationships, our international borders help protect us as well.
Both the interstate and international border will only come down when it is
safe to do so because we are protecting the health of Western Australians and
we are protecting Western Australian jobs at the same time.