Canberra Liberals Leader Elizabeth Lee has welcomed the long-awaited and overdue roadmap out of lockdown announced by the Chief Minister today but concerns still remain about the support for business.

Ms Lee said since the press conference, many small business operators have contacted the Canberra Liberals about what will happen with financial support once the ‘lockdown’ is lifted on 15 October.

“Some businesses may technically be allowed to recommence operations but will be severely hampered by the capacity restrictions; so much so that for many busineses it will not be financially viable to open” Ms Lee said.

“I have written to the Chief Minister asking what reassurance the ACT Labor-Greens Government can provide about what financial support will remain in place for businesses significantly affected by the ongoing public health restrictions beyond 15 October.

“Ongoing restrictions place enormous pressure on businesses; in particular the hospitality sector who will only be allowed one customer per four square metres. This is a restriction which the Australian Hotels Association (ACT) has long stated was unworkable for the majority of hospitality businesses.

“We need to ensure these businesses are given the support they need until the restrictions this government is placing on them are lifted sufficiently to enable them to recommence their operations in a financially viable way.

“Business owners with children also may not be able to open their businesses back up on 15 October because early learning centres and schools will not open until late October or November.

"In making this announcement today, I implore on the Chief Minister to continue working with the business community to ensure this pathway forward will ease the burden on Canberra’s small businesses,” concluded Ms Lee.