The ACT government could take a stake in Canberra tourist attractions - such as the zoo and aquarium - to help them stay afloat amid the coronavirus crisis, Chief Minister Andrew Barr has said.
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Measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 have forced the closure of tourist attractions across Australia, drying up revenue and casting doubt over their future.
While the federal and territory governments are rapidly rolling out support to help businesses survive the shutdown, Mr Barr said more drastic intervention might be needed in certain cases.
Speaking in the ACT Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Mr Barr said the territory might need to consider taking an equity share in animal-based attractions, such as the National Zoo and Aquarium.
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"We are potentially in a situation where we may need to take equity in some businesses in order to preserve the welfare of animals, but we will work very hard to ensure that the measures we undertake, combined with those measures undertaken by the Australian government, are able to avoid that situation," he said.
"But in the case of the zoo, I am very conscious of the animal welfare issues associated there and if it is necessary for the territory to assume some of the costs and some equity in order to get it through this period we would be open to that," Mr Barr said.
Mr Barr hinted the federal government was working on some form of rescue package for "unique tourist businesses" which had been decimated by the pandemic.
He said the ACT didn't intend to take full control of businesses.
He said the federal government's $130 billion wage subsidy program would support businesses in the tourism sector, although he warned that "not everyone will survive" the economic downturn.
"There is no level of government support, territory or federal that can save every single business through this once in a century economic and health crisis.
"We need to be honest with people about that. But whatever we possible can do within reason, we will do."
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or the federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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Dan Jervis-Bardy
Dan covers federal politics from Parliament House, with a special focus on climate policy and the NDIS. He has previously reported on ACT politics and urban affairs since joining the Canberra Times in 2018.
Dan covers federal politics from Parliament House, with a special focus on climate policy and the NDIS. He has previously reported on ACT politics and urban affairs since joining the Canberra Times in 2018.
