Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) is urging state and territory governments to lift the 100 person limit on events and open borders in July—in line with the Federal Government’s recent update to the COVID-Safe Framework.
On 12 June, the National Cabinet decided to go ahead with Step Three of the COVIDSafe Framework in July and also replaced the 100 person limit on non-essential indoor gatherings with a four square metres per person rule.
While BECA has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement, it’s now pushing states and territories—who are responsible for controlling gatherings—to fall in line with the new rules.
BECA Chair, Dr Vanessa Findlay said that Event Organisers need notice so they can begin to plan and promote their events, plus make sure they are implementing new hygiene protocols.
“We urge all states and territories to announce this change for July as soon as possible in line with Step Three of the framework for a COVIDSafe Australia,” Dr Findlay said.
While a four square metre per person rule will mean larger events are back on the cards, some state borders remain closed—preventing delegates from attending interstate events.
To make sure events can properly restart, BECA is also urging state and territory governments to reopen their borders.
“It is also timely that internal borders are lifted at the same time to allow the significant domestic business events industry to flourish,” Dr Findlay said.
“As soon as we receive confirmation from state and territory governments that we can once again hold COVIDSafe business events, planning can get underway and we can commence recovery of the important domestic market.”
“We look forward to working with all other sectors of tourism (accommodation, food and beverage, venues, transport, entertainment) that form the ecosystem within which business events makes its $35.7 billion contribution to the economy.”
