• Survey of over 100 major Sydney organisations
• More support for NSW Government’s handling of COVID than Federal Government
• 2019 revenue unlikely to come back until at least 2022

A survey of senior leaders in Sydney demonstrates strong support for the economic and health response to COVID-19 by NSW Government, but flags concern about the broader impact of the pandemic.

The Sydney Leadership Survey, commissioned by the Committee for Sydney, is a poll of over 100 organisations representing over 450,000 employees in Australia.

The survey found that:

• 75% of organisations don’t expect 2019 revenue to bounce back until 2021/22
• 83% have most of their staff currently working from home
• 85% are satisfied with NSW Government’s handling of the health crisis and 78% are satisfied with its handling of the economic crisis
• 80% are satisfied with the Federal Government’s handling of the health crisis and 76% satisfied with the handling of the economic crisis
• Investing in an economic stimulus package based on infrastructure should be the top priority for both NSW and Federal Government
• They also want to see dib investment in social and affordable housing projects that would help support the construction sector.

CEO of the Committee for Sydney, Gabriel Metcalf said:

“Our survey results highlight how COVID has affected leading organisations in Sydney – and how senior leaders think the pandemic has been handled.”

“They show strong support for the government’s handling of the crisis, at both a Federal and State level. Support for the response by the NSW Government is slightly higher than their Federal counterparts, which is a big boost for the way the Premier and her government have responded.”

“Our members think that investment in infrastructure should be a priority for both state government and the Commonwealth. This means continuing to fund the big public transport projects, but also smaller projects like giving money to councils to refurbish local parks and high streets”.

“Investing in social and affordable housing is also a win-win policy. It helps to produce more housing for people on low-income, whilst also keeping the construction industry going and supporting tradies.”

“Fully 83% of our members expect they will permanently have more people working from home in the post-COVID world. That could have big implications for the Sydney CBD.”

Notes for Editors: 

1. The Committee for Sydney is an independent think tank and champion for the whole of Sydney, providing thought leadership beyond the electoral cycle. The Committee aims to enhance the economic, social, cultural and environmental conditions that make Sydney a competitive, resilient and liveable global city. The Committee has a diverse membership with over 150 member organisations: including the major corporate sectors driving Sydney’s economy; strategically minded local authorities; key NSW Government departments and agencies; not- for-profit organisations; and leading arts and sporting institutions. Members help develop and deliver priorities, provide expertise and ensure a representative geographical spread across the greater Sydney region.