There are many south-west business owners and managers who would testify that the scheme kept them afloat during the coronavirus downturn of 2020.

Cally Hotel manager Lucas Reid told The Standard this week the region's businesses were a long way from their pre-pandemic earnings.

The support payment kept many businesses trading and allowed companies to keep staff employed that otherwise might have been let go.

For many the coming period will be one of uncertainty.

While some south-west retailers have sounded a positive note, suggesting that they are ready to bounce back from COVID-19, there are plenty of people who remain uncertain about their future in business, including those in the accommodation sector.

A strong Easter trading period would be a significant bonus for many businesses, so remember to shop and support local across the south-west where you can.

Also hoping for an Easter turnaround is the federal government itself.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison unveiled a Cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday. Rather than looking like a fresh start it appeared to highlight many of his government's shortcomings.

That senior members such as Stuart Robert and Michaelia Cash were among the winners in the reshuffle after experiencing their own dramas in recent years was revealing.

The Coalition government has stumbled from one crisis to another in 2021 and in normal times would be heading for defeat at the next election.

But it remains competitive in large part because of measures such as JobKeeper.

No government's response to the pandemic has been perfect, but the federal government will be hoping it has enough runs on the board to get voters' support for three more years.