EDITORIAL
Labor Leader Dean Winter
My mission as state Labor leader is to make Tasmania the easiest place in Australia to do business – and those involved in our hospitality industry know just how badly red tape is holding back their sector. Recently I was proud to announce that Labor will deliver strategy for a night-time economy. This is a comprehensive package that aims to make it easier for hospitality businesses to operate. The benefits are obvious. A thriving hospitality scene will boost the visitor economy, help the arts and entertainment industries, allow creative Tasmanians to find an audience for their talent, especially through live music, and create new jobs. This will inject life into our city centres and in turn help our state retain its young people and hopefully attract others to come live here. Our strategy will focus on reducing red tape through working with councils to cut unnecessary permits and cost burdens on late-night venues, outdoor dining and festivals. We will also ensure existing venues can keep operating with more freedom.
and most exciting businesses do their thing while others are sleeping. This is how it should be, and I am confident Tasmanian cities are ready to embrace our initiative. While we make our cities more fun and more exciting, we will ensure they are safe. Labor’s strategy will prioritise the safety and well-being of patrons and those who work through the small hours, including in hospitality.
I love seeing people – locals and visitors alike – out enjoying themselves this time of the year.
In my neck of the woods, the Salty Dog is getting an awesome makeover, the new Kingston Hotel is incredible and Hopfields Brewery has opened at the old Brookfield Shed in Margate. It’s a great time to visit Tasmanian venues to spend time with friends and family.
We will create 24-hour economy zones to streamline approvals and trading regulations.
An essential plank of our strategy is supporting live music and arts by offering rebates for liquor licence fees to venues that promote live entertainment. A modern economy does not shut down at 5pm, and I worry that Tasmania is missing out on opportunities that many other places interstate and overseas are embracing. We know the positive impact MONA and its festivals have had on Tasmania’s brand and its economy, and a diverse nightlife can also revitalise our cities.
While for any other audience I’d wish people a relaxing break, for all reading this in our world-class hospitality industry, I hope their businesses and workplaces will be happy, healthy and profitable during Tasmania’s peak season.
The night economy may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I believe some of our most creative people
Merry Christmas and happy 2025 everyone!
17 Tasmanian Hospitality Review Oct/Nov Edition
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