TASMANIAN LABOR
Rebecca White - Labor Leader
It has been a rollercoaster of a ride for Tasmania’s tourism, hospitality and events industry over the past couple of months. Borders have been opened, closed and then opened again and all businesses have been forced to work extremely hard to continue operating in a COVID-safe way. As Shadow Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events I am in awe of how all Tasmania’s incredible businesses have dealt with the ongoing challenges of COVID-19. The industry continues to face uncertainty and the threat of an outbreak or border closure has placed increased pressure on management and staff. With speculation from the government that the state needs to be prepared for a snap lockdown if the Delta variant enters Tasmania, the threat to businesses viability remains high. It’s critical the government is prepared to offer support quickly to workers and businesses if we see a lockdown here. It is never easy to run a business, and in a pandemic is it even harder, but so far, our state has managed to push through and continue to deliver great service and the best of Tasmanian produce to locals and tourists from interstate and New Zealand. The 2021 THA Awards for Excellence are a great example of businesses receiving well deserved acknowledgement for their hard work. Businesses from right across the state received awards in a range of categories and should all be immensely proud of their efforts. It is no easy feat to win one of these awards and it shows that despite some difficult times, Tasmania’s hospitality industry continues to deliver high quality produce and service.
Tasmania’s hospitality industry is full of hard-working people, many who work in the industry to build skills, earn money or fulfil a dream. This is why I once again put my hand up to represent them as Shadow Minister. I see the tourism, hospitality and events sectors as vital to our state and its future and I am proud that through my shadow ministry I am able to fight for members of the industry right across the state.
As the industry continues to battle with uncertain borders and restrictions it is crucial both the government and community support them. Through my role as Labor Leader and Shadow Minister I will ensure hospitality workers have a voice that will hold the government to account. I look forward to meeting with members of the industry over the next four years and welcome businesses or individuals with concerns to reach out to my office. The tourism, hospitality and events sectors are crucial to the future of the state and I will help ensure they have the tools they need to thrive.
THA HOSPITALITY—REVIEW: AUGUST 2021 | 11
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