Office workers,whose purchasing supports thousands of businesses around city centres,have been steadily coming back in recent months,with occupancy rates rising from 36 per cent to 48 per cent between April and May. However,this trend stalled in June when a rate of 49 per cent was recorded.
Property Council Victorian executive director Danni Hunter said:“Contrary to what some people say,the office is not dead. It’s just tucked up in bed with chicken soup.”
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“Melbourne’s CBD has enjoyed a steady recovery in office occupancy rates since the beginning of the year. However,the winter season has caught up with us and brought a pause to the number of workers willing or able to head into the office.
“As happens every year,Melbourne will bloom in spring and the idyllic weather and many events that grace our calendar at that time of year will draw people out from under the doona and back into our city.”
By comparison,Sydney’s June office occupancy rate was 55 per cent and Brisbane’s was 64 per cent.
The Andrews governmenton Tuesday strongly recommended people wear masks indoors. It opted against mandating face coverings,despite advice from health officials. Business groups,including the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Australian Industry Group,both urged Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas not to adopt a strict mandate. Thomas cited commercial interests and the likelihood of non-compliance when announcing her decision.