Groups representing employers and businesses have slammed the , labelling the roadmap a "document of despair".
Premier Daniel Andrews on Sunday detailed his government's long-awaited plan for lifting coronavirus restrictions, revealing that a number of businesses would be unable to reopen for at least seven weeks.
While apologising to Victorians, Mr Andrews was adamant that a "safe and steady" plan to lift restrictions slowly was necessary to prevent a third wave of cases.
"What the data tells us, what the scientists tell us, and, frankly, it’s common sense, is if we do this too fast, if we run to open up, we won't be open for long," he said.
But the chief executive of the Australian Industry Group, the peak body for employers, said the roadmap would cause "catastrophic" economic, health, and social damage.
"Today’s so-called Victorian roadmap to recovery is a document of despair for industry and their employees," Innes Willox said in a statement on Sunday.
"Rather than providing the hope and optimism required, along with clear and measurable steps for businesses to open up, today’s announcement will only prolong the economic and social pain that all Victorians are feeling."
Mr Willox warned more businesses will now divert investment from Victoria.
"All reasonable health advice recognises that the virus will be with us for years and points to the need for us to do better to keep our economy open and take practical steps to keep workplaces safe," he said.
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry also slammed the plan.
“Victoria’s economy is experiencing its biggest crisis in modern times with thousands of businesses unable to operate for most of this year, and the government needs to allow Victorians to get back to work while managing the health crisis,” chief executive Paul Guerra said in a statement.
“This cannot continue to be a choice of health over economy.”
The government's announcement did not include detailed information on when certain industries would be permitted to reopen, but Mr Andrews flagged further detail would be revealed in the coming week.
He also said more than 100,000 workers would be allowed to return to work on 28 September as part of the second step of the plan, if daily case numbers continue to drop.
Those workers include some in the construction, warehousing, postal services, childcare, manufacturing, and outdoor gardening sectors.
Jennifer Westacott, the chief executive of the Business Council of Australia, said the roadmap was a step in the right direction but further details were needed so businesses could plan ahead.
She also said businesses that can operate safely should be permitted to open with strict protocols in place.
Business Council of Australia chief Jennifer Westacott. Source: AAP
“Businesses need predictability, they need know basic things like what to order in time for Christmas, which for many is the difference between keeping their doors open or closing and letting staff go," she said in a statement.
"If New South Wales can learn from their mistakes to manage the virus and open back up safely, there is no reason Victoria can’t do the same."
While detailing the roadmap, Mr Andrews referred to his own family's small business background and apologised for not having better news to announce.
"False hope is no hope," he said. "We will get these businesses open as soon as we can."
Metropolitan Melbourne residents are subject to Stage 4 restrictions and must comply with a curfew between the hours of 8pm and 5am. During the curfew, people in Melbourne can only leave their house for work, and essential health, care or safety reasons.
Between 5am and 8pm, people in Melbourne can leave the home for exercise, to shop for necessary goods and services, for work, for health care, or to care for a sick or elderly relative. The full list of restrictions can be found here.
All Victorians must wear a face covering when they leave home, no matter where they live.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. News and information is available in 63 languages at .
