In times of need, it’s a good idea to have support that you can depend on but at the moment, it seems our trusted support systems are failing under the weight of need.
The pressures of an out-of-control energy market, the rising cost of living and the threat of more Covid waves has all of us holding our breath.
We sympathise with those in Sydney suffering after tragic floods but are all really glad that is not us getting wet again.
As a country, state and city, we mostly survive hand-to-mouth, just tempting the next big disaster to cripple our community.
For years, the last bastion of defence for many of us, including businesses, has been an insurance policy but there are now so many claims that we are told it will be many months before claims can even be assessed.
The system is failing, and we need to rethink the process. For many large organizations, insurance is not an option and so they are forced to self-insure.
That means they work out the likelihood and size of disaster and plan accordingly. Funds are set aside, and plans assembled to ensure continuity in the face of adversity.
We need our federal, state and local governments to start thinking how they can better manage their immense resources to support the local economy.
It’s a radical idea but in New Zealand, all locals and visitors are covered for no-fault injuries by the ACC with about $50 billion in funds as backup.
It may not be perfect, but it gives hope that the model works and maybe our own Logan City Council can lead the way.
What if there was a fund, controlled by the council that supported local businesses in crisis. How much new business would come to our fair city, with a council ready to support them?
