Trucking and logistics are particularly hard-hit, as is the meat industry, which this week warned of shortages unless slaughterhouses and boning rooms were either exempted from health orders prohibiting close contacts from working or provided with Covid tests.
While loosened close contact rules have made it easier to keep people at work, this extra capacity has been overwhelmed by the skyrocketing number of Covid cases, which climbed past 68,000 across Australia on Thursday. The prime minister has also asked the attorney general, Michaelia Cash, to meet with state governments to discuss loosening laws that require employers to maintain a safe workplace so that small business does not have to bear the cost of buying rapid antigen tests , the price of which has skyrocketed due to soaring demand and limited supply.
O’Brien attacked Morrison for failing to buy enough RATs despite the warning, given by unions and businesses in October, that they would be needed once restrictions were reduced and face-to-face commerce resumed. “I don’t think it is possible or practical for him [Morrison] to amend eight different pieces of state legislation,” he said.
Here’s a tip for you BenButler, have a chat to any public service department in NSW about staff shortages, because at least 50% of them are in iso. This may even come under freedom of information...🤔 lenoretaylor davidmunk AlisonRourke mikewsc1
Because Living with Covid is so Grand!!
I can create a staff shortage by demanding all 'journalists' stay home and isolate themselves when they get within 1 km of someone with Covid and they can't work from home
Australian conservative voters are the smartest people on earth
Libs and business wanted everything open, well I hope you’re happy with yourselves
The fabulous, forward thinking strategy of Joshua Frydenberg at work for the economy. 🤦🏻♀️