Australia’s peak industry body has warned that states’ trigger-finger lockdowns have rapidly delivered big financial blows to businesses and the economy—all without providing an effective long-term solution to eradicating the pandemic. A spate of lockdowns permeating throughout the nation have engulfed New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, and Western Australia, with further restrictions imposed in South Australia. However, the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) has suggested that the states’ rapid enactment of restrictions could be an overreaction and economically negligent—particularly given certain states are shutting down after registering single-digit cases. “We need to avoid panicked responses, and governments need to weigh health and broader advice including on mitigating the harsh economic impacts of tough restrictions and lockdowns,” Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Innes Willox said. In particular, Queensland imposed restrictions after recording three cases and lockdowns after four; Northern Territory imposed restrictions after recording one case and lockdowns after four; …