Labor Leader and Shadow Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events REBECCAWHITE
EDITORIAL
THE NEW EASY DRINKING LAGER FROM
Tasmania’s tourism, hospitality and events industry continues to feel the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. Tourism reliant businesses and workers are dealing with increasingly difficult trading conditions and the flow on impacts from border closures are putting both businesses and jobs at risk. WithNewSouthWales andVictoria in lockdown, two of our most valued tourism markets have been shut out and therefore visitor numbers have been significantly down. Throughout August and September, Labor talked to tourism and tourism reliant businesses and they were telling us that things are worse now than they were in 2020, yet the government appeared oblivious. This is why Labor called on the government to introduce increased support to help workers and businesses get through this difficult time. Initially, they were slow to act, before announcing a support package that did not go nearly far enough to help those struggling. We then ramped up our calls for better support, calling on the government to offer a more comprehensive package. Then, after hearing the heartbreaking story of independent taxi driver Paul Lewis, seeing the courage of publican Douglas O’Niel, hearing from restaurant owner Bianca Welsh, feeling
the pressure from industry groups including the THA and pressure in the Parliament, the government finally acted and provided increased support. The government’s new business support package came after weeks of pressure and Labor knows how stressful that period was for many operators and their workforce. No doubt some of you continue to feel the strain. One of the primary reasons Labor advocated so strongly for additional support for the sector is because we heard your concerns about the fear of losing valuable workers from the industry for good. We also heard the stories of those in the sector who were losing hours, or worse, their jobs. Labor believes it is crucial Tasmanian businesses are supported when facing these unique challenges and we want to see hospitality and tourism reliant businesses able to open at full capacity when Australia opens up. The government’s package is certainly welcome, and will provide valuable support for businesses doing it tough, however the length of time it took them to act is concerning. Tasmania’s tourism, hospitality and events sectors need a government that will act quickly if support is needed, and in this case the Liberals’ dropped the ball. With restrictions forecast to remain in place for some time it is imperative the government demonstrates greater responsiveness if conditions deteriorate further. Our state has a fantastic tourism, hospitality and events sector who are feeling the heat of COVID-19. These businesses and the workers in the sector need to be supported now or we risk losing them forever.
FROTHING.
Hospitality Review: October 2021 13
Hospitality Review: October 2021 12
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