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Josh Frydenberg tells G20 to put global economy into 'hibernation' during coronavirus crisis

"Au. 16.4% GDP US 10% GDP, so far - From tight purse strings to massive fiscal firepower: the Coalition’s staggering transformation"

By Jade Macmillan and wires

Posted about 7 hours ago


Photo: Mr Frydenberg said the G20 needed to focus on meeting "the basic needs of the
global population". (ABC News: Nick Haggarty)

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Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has called for the global economy to be put into "controlled hibernation" during the coronavirus emergency, in a virtual meeting of Group of 20 (G20) finance ministers and central bank governors last night.

Key points:

* Mr Frydenberg said the G20 should aim to minimise job losses globally

* The Federal Government has its own economic "hibernation" strategy

* The G20's coronavirus plan will be fleshed out over the next fortnight

The meeting saw the economic leaders of the world's top economies discuss a new plan to address the risk of debt vulnerabilities in low-income countries hit by the pandemic, and deliver financial aid to emerging markets.

Mr Frydenberg said leaders should take quick, strong and co-ordinated action to "minimise the permanent human and economic damage."

"First, our priority should be putting the global economy into controlled hibernation while quarantine measures are in place," he said in a statement.

"That is — finance the global health response, maintain financial stability,
minimise job losses, keep businesses going, and ensure the basic
needs of the global population are met.

"This includes committing to a G20 fiscal support target, to encourage all economies to act urgently, and send a clear signal to citizens that the G20 is doing whatever it takes."

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Australia's own economic hibernation strategy .. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-30/coronavirus-wage-subsidies-government-businesses-workers/12103108 .. involves $130-billion worth of wage subsidies to try to keep as many people in jobs as possible, even if businesses close for up to six months.

Mr Frydenberg also said the G20 must lead the long-term global recovery once the health crisis passes, and that all members should unblock global supply chains, especially for vital medical supplies.

Josh Frydenberg
@JoshFrydenberg

Tonight I joined G20 Finance Ministers & Central Bank Governors
to discuss the G20's Action Plan and the importance of the IMF in
assessing the adequacy of the global financial safety net as we
deal with the economic impacts from the coronavirus.
View image on Twitter
11:21 PM - Mar 31, 2020

73 people are talking about this

A joint statement released after the virtual meeting said details of the plan would be fleshed out before the group's next meeting on April 15.

It said roles for the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in deploying resources and exploring measures to alleviate a lack of liquidity in emerging markets were discussed.

G20 leaders pledged last week to inject over US$5 trillion ($8.2 trillion) into the global economy .. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-27/g20-leaders-global-economy-fight-coronavirus/12091530 .. to limit job and income losses from the outbreak, while working to ease supply disruptions caused by border closures intended to limit transmission of the virus.

Video: G20 leaders have been meeting over video conference due to the pandemic. (ABC News)
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-27/g20-leaders-meet-over-video-conference/12095242

They also committed to fund all necessary measures to stop the virus's spread and expressed concern about the risks to fragile countries, notably in Africa.

They told their top finance officials to coordinate regularly with each other and with international organisations to develop an action plan in response to the pandemic.

G20 trade ministers agreed on Monday to keep their markets open and ensure the continued flow of vital medical supplies, equipment and other essential goods.

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The group has been accused of being slow to respond to the outbreak, which is expected to trigger a global recession as governments impose curfews and shut businesses.

The G20 comprises Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, the United States, India, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, Britain, the European Union, China, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea.

Video: Pandemic: The fight to contain coronavirus (Four Corners)
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-30/pandemic/12103600

ABC/Reuters

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-01/frydenberg-says-global-economy-needs-coronavirus-hibernation/12108692