COVID-19 has had an acute impact on the Australian economy since arriving in Australia in January 2020. Social distancing, commercial trading restrictions and other measures to reduce the spread of the pandemic have affected the country’s economy.
The first positive case of the Delta variant in June 2021 and Omicron in November 2021 led to a nationwide lockdown for metropolitan areas. Many workplaces advised their employees to work from home, bringing the production of certain items to a standstill. Consumers were forced to order online from overseas companies and brands.
Since leaving home was only permitted for essential reasons, workers were laid off or put onto reduced hours as businesses closed or reduced operations in compliance with health mandates. Although direct wage support was reduced after the Omicron outbreak, governments focused on reducing trading restrictions.
Unlike the initial strains of the virus, the Omicron variant did not lead to lockdown actions, and there were high rates of vaccination across much of the country. Removing mobility and trading restrictions encouraged local businesses to operate because consumer demand remained strong.
Impacts of the pandemic were widespread throughout market industries, and being vocal for local has allowed home entrepreneurs to have their brands reach a larger audience and attain some financial stability for the country. Keep reading to know why you should support localized businesses.
- Help expand startups
The stiff competition between the home-grown and foreign players may have silenced local startups from starting. But the crisis caused due to the COVID-19 pandemic has helped governments realize the need for having markets at accessible places and affordable prices.
Local businesses help create a nation independent of global financial downfalls. The costs involved in production, distribution and marketing are based on the state’s or country’s scenario. Consumers can empathize with a brand’s product and price list and help expand a business or company. Buying Australian-made can support the country’s economy, businesses and jobs.
- Eco-friendly
Sustainability is a fundamental part of manufacturing in Australia. Companies selling Australian-made products have to follow strict environmental protection policies during production. Buying local also means a reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Importing things, like cleaning products, from overseas is expensive because it includes costs for shipping and transportation. Australian businesses differentiate themselves and their goods from the competition with environmental claims. Companies in Australia use certifications that are scientifically sound and appropriately substantiated to prove sustainability, recycling, energy and water efficiency or impact on animals and the natural environment.
- Encourage locals
Australian businesses, farmers, growers and producers give distinct areas in the country a local character and community spirit. Financial independence can further strengthen togetherness when almost everything, in this modern world, is going nuclear. Authenticity, when held tight, can highlight the importance of preserving anything original and unspoilt by the complications, such as impurity, of a “developed nation”.
- Quality
The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) promises to acknowledge the aboriginals and their connections to land, sea and community. The country’s international trade promotion and investment attraction agency tries to promote the nation’s capability. Quality has been a benchmark to sustain global and local business transactions.
- Guaranties
Since 1 January 2011, Australian businesses and consumers have had the same legal protections and expectations for advertising and selling practices in Australia. This isn’t just a good business practice; it is the law. On the other hand, overseas companies may not stand true to their warranties or be under any legal obligation.
Conclusion
One must look for the registered trademark to know if the product is genuinely made in Australia and avail of the benefits.
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