Non-essential retail stores in Melbourne shut at midnight on Wednesday as part of the city’s stage four COVID-19 lockdown. The move is expected to lead to 250,000 workers being stood down.

The harsh measures have shattered hopes of a swift economic recovery, with independent modelling showing Victoria’s state government debt ballooning to $60 billion next year.

In this episode, national editor Tory Maguire is joined by economics correspondent Jennifer Duke to discuss the ripple effect the Victorian lockdown is having on businesses.

Our supporters power our newsrooms and are critical for the sustainability of news coverage.

Becoming a subscriber also gets you exclusive behind-the-scenes content and invitations to special events. Click on the links to subscribe to The Sydney Morning Herald or