McKenzie says conflict and zero-compromise behaviours must be relegated to pre-COVID IR history, where they belong.

"We are deeply concerned that the continuation of the Melbourne COVID-19 lockdown ... will create a cycle of poverty and unemployment."

The 2020 federal budget creates a climate of confidence at a time when most small business owners are struggling with unprecedented uncertainty.

Australians are resilient, and our economy will survive the COVID-19 crisis, writes COSBOA chair Mark McKenzie. But we must all work together to make sure that happens.