Over the past few weeks I’ve been observing the tradies working on building sites as I go for my morning walk. This morning those sites were quiet. Welcome to lockdown guys.

Like all politicians Gladys Berejiklian loves donning the hi-viz and hard hat for a photo op, so it must have been galling for her to announce the shutdown of construction in Sydney, however…

Ms Berejiklian announced on Saturday that construction would be paused for two weeks effective from Monday, in a move that goes further than any previous lockdowns anywhere in Australia.

The decision has met with outcry from industry and unions, with CFMEU NSW Secretary Darren Greenfield criticising the government for shutting down the industry without sufficient notice.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet has established a construction industry group which is meeting with him or his staff daily along with NSW Treasury officials to plan for the reopening of construction sites on July 30.

SMH – Advice to shut construction did not come from us, says Kerry Chant

Well isn’t that great – daily meetings with NSW Treasury officials so they can plan to reopen on July 30. Meanwhile events, tourism, entertainment and the arts will have to wait for weeks or months after the lockdowns are lifted before they can get back to work.

Where are the daily meetings with our industries?

If you work in events and you have been stood down you are entitled to up to $600 per week disaster payment – but only from week two of a lockdown and not after the lockdown is lifted. Even if your place of work is still unable to operate due to (for example) capacity restrictions.  This will affect casual workers especially.  

Once again I refer to my Three Tiered Covid Economy and how the event industry needs to be heard. So contact your state and federal politicians and let them know how you have been affected.