The National Retail Association (NRA) has called on the Western Australian Government to provide clarity over business restrictions following the state yesterday being plunged into a five-day hard lockdown.
Under the Directions announced yesterday, it is possible for a retailer to technically be able to open its doors for trade, but unable to have employees leave their homes to attend work as the business does not constitute as an ‘essential provider’.
NRA CEO Dominique Lamb said that WA retailers desperately need clarification in order to determine if their business can open and to avoid substantial fines from the police.
“WA retailers absolutely want to do the right thing, but to do that requires a clear set of directives as to what constitutes essential providers and essential workers,” Ms Lamb said.
“The Direction announced yesterday does not appear to expressly prohibit retail trade. However, given the definition of an essential worker is narrowly defined there are retailers who are allowed to open their doors but whose staff are unable to leave the house to attend work.
“We appreciate that five days is a short time, but this can still have a severe impact on businesses. Not only do they face not being able to trade, but there is substantial police fines for those found to be violating lockdown laws.
“Retailers who utilise distribution centres are also unsure as to whether they can transport goods from the wharf and stage deliveries to individual stores. Clarity is needed on this to prevent these distribution centres from being overflowed with stock.
“The NRA urges the WA Government to engage with the business community to ensure there is a clear and consistent set of directives to navigate what is hopefully a very short hard-lockdown across the state.”