C O V I D - 1 9 S U R V I V A L G U I D E
Labor has called on the Federal Government to broaden the eligibility criteria for the wage subsidy. The cost of an expanded scheme would not be insignificant. But that needs to be weighed against the far greater cost of the permanent closure of many businesses and the associated financial and social impact on individuals and families when people lose their jobs. The decisions we take now must be right for now, but have an eye to the long term and to recovery. What makes Tasmania special will not be lost during this crisis. Locals and visitors alike will again visit our beautiful natural places, our historic sites and enjoy our world-class food, wine and produce. Hospitality workers will be central in revitalising this important part of our economy. It’s essential that we protect them so they can survive now, and thrive as we recover. The Labor Party will continue to work closely with the THA to better understand the challenges that your industry faces and to advocate for solutions. Hospitality and tourism have always been a central part of the Tasmanian way of life and they will be again. By working together, we will get through this.
That’s why Labor has advocated strongly for the national wage subsidy and welcome the announcement by the Government of the JobKeeper scheme. This is a sensible measure to keep workers connected with employers, and help ensure a rapid return to normal business operation once the COVID-19 crisis is over. But it needs to go further. I know that many of you are struggling to find the cash flow to support your staff until the JobKeeper scheme kicks in. Many of you have reached into your own pockets to support your employees who are doing it tough – even when there has been no money coming in the door. Tasmania has a highly casualised workforce. More than 20,000 casual workers in the state are not eligible for the JobKeeper payment because they started in their roles less than 12 months ago. This is an arbitrary line in the sand that will disadvantage many people, with Unions Tasmania identifying 23,900 Tasmanians who could be adversely impacted, many of them working in the hospitality sector. Hospitality also employs many people living and working here on temporary visas. The Job Keeper payment offers them no support.
IMPORTANT NOTICEABOUT COVID-19 ARRANGEMENTS We’re putting a temporary stop to music licensing activity for businesses and organisations affected by COVID-19. If your business or organisation is affected, please email us at hello@onemusic.com.au or use live chat between 9am-7pm AEDT weekdays. We’re here to help you, so keep talking to us to let us know what is happening and we will come up with a creative solution. Our music creators are feeling the pinch too.
THA HOSPITALITY—REVIEW: COVID-19 SURVIVAL GUIDE APRIL 2020 | 29
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