Ampol boss Matt Halliday has called for a nationally consistent approach to managing future COVID-19 outbreaks, warning that short, sharp lockdowns of states and cities are undermining the economic recovery and sapping business confidence.
As Australia’s first Pfizer vaccine injections were rolled out on Monday morning, the head of Australia’s top fuel supplier said businesses were still fearful of sudden closures of state borders in response to any future outbreak of COVID-19 infections.
Ampol boss Matt Halliday says businesses need certainty on how future COVID-19 outbreaks will be handled.Credit:Dominic Lorrimer
“There needs to be a consistent set of rules in place, so that when you do see outbreaks there is a predictable and risk-based response to the approach … not prompt border closures,” Mr Halliday said. “Companies can’t plan their activities and their investments when there is considerable uncertainty about what the response to the outbreak is going to be.”
Ampol, formerly Caltex Australia, has been hit hard by coronavirus travel restrictions hammering demand for petrol, diesel and jet fuel, and on Monday posted a $485 million loss for the 12 months to December 31.
