Stimulus measures commended. Building and construction must be essential service

The Federal Government’s second stimulus package contains welcome measures to support the viability businesses, particularly the viability of small businesses (including sole traders) and non-profit-organisations to keep people in jobs.

“We commend the Government for its commitment to doing what it takes to see the country through the health and economic shock of Covid-19 and we restate the importance of building and construction as an essential service,” Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia said.

“Economically it’s one of the main chances of getting stimulus measures to hit the ground hard and fast,” she said.

“Maintaining building and construction activity around the country is one of the most effective ways of injecting money into the economy at this time of crisis. A shutdown on construction sites will have devastating impact on the economy and the well-being of millions of Australians,” Denita Wawn said.

“Our industry is already implementing social distancing and risk mitigation policies and we are working collaboratively with trade unions to this end. We will continue to enact measures to safeguard the health of the 1 in 10 Australians employed in our industry and call on governments to keep them in jobs by keeping our industry building,” Denita Wawn said.