South Coast Labour Council secretary Arthur Rorris has hit out at the Federal Government's handling of the coronavirus crisis.
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Mr Rorris doesn't blame Prime Minister Scott Morrison for the fact 5000 jobs have been lost on the South Coast already.
But he feels the Prime Minister needs to stop contradicting the NSW Government, which he believes is trying its best to slow down the rate of infection.
"The Labour Council estimates that we lost 5000 jobs in barely 24 hours in those directly affected areas and we estimate another 5000 jobs will be lost once the next stage of lock-down rules are adopted," Mr Rorris said.
"No one wants to see job losses but we are looking at [measures] as a necessary reaction to fight a major epidemic, the likes of which none of us has seen in our lifetimes.
"The measures are based on the best evidence and advice of our health experts.
"What our federal government needs to do however is be honest with the Australian people.
"They need to have a clear message and stop contradicting our NSW government who's trying its best to slow down the rate of infection.
"We can not afford to go into battle with this virus with our people hungry and insecure."
The SCLC is calling on the federal government to give more direct assistance to those whose jobs have been lost or threatened.
"Our preference is a direct subsidy to save those jobs and those incomes of up to 80 per cent, similar to what was done in the UK," Mr Rorris said.
"Unfortunately our prime minister cannot make up his mind about whether people should be at home or at work.
"That is why we believe that our health experts should be the ones guiding that process and they are recommending that you should be at home unless your services are required to fight this virus.
"And we think it is imperative that the federal government stop undermining our health professionals and get behind them.
"Let's have one message and ensure that our sacrifices are effective in battling this virus and let's ensure that our government does the right thing by the workers of this country not just for big businesses."
Mr Rorris' calls came on the same day the federal government sent messages to millions of Australians [including this reporter}.
The message read: "To stop the spread, stay 1.5m from others, follow rules on social gatherings, wash hands, stay home if sick."
Mr Rorris was far from happy with the message.
"We need everyone to stay home and only leave if they have to," he said.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
