CEO’S UPDATE
THA CEO STEVE OLD
THE State Government’s draft legislation proposal for the TasTAFE business model comes at the perfect time for our industry. Venue operators across all sectors are calling out for more adequately skilled staff and it is critical that we have an environment which will allow our future generation to prosper. For us, it is about setting up the Drysdale Institute for Hospitality to be about delivering what the industry wants and needs. Among the Government’s commitment to the more fit-for-future footing TasTAFE is: It will remain publicly owned and not for profit It will not be privatised There will be no forced redundancies for current staff All staff, students and stakeholders will be consulted It will receive 80 per cent of the Tasmanian Government’s skills funding It will receive an additional $98.6 million in investment in the next four years Access to quality training in regional and rural areas of Tasmania will improve The physical and digital infrastructure and facilities will be modernised and improved The THA supports this proposed model, which has been designed from the ground up, will have its own employment powers and will see staff covered by the Fair Work Act 2009. We need any training institution to deliver what the industry needs, and that means people
getting trained and having a job to come to. Across the country, the accommodation and food services industry has been hit with a 30-35 per cent shortfall in staff from a lack of international workers. This has left the sector in a perfect storm, increasing the reliance on locals to fill required roles. We will always continue fighting to provide opportunities for the industry, but we are also acutely aware the right people with the right skillsets have to be employed in the right positions. Young people are the lifeblood of the hospitality industry, we want them embarking on a career path and this proposed model will provide a crucial part in linking businesses with the perfect fit. Getting more appropriately skilled staff will be vital with the summer season on the horizon, as we all anticipate that once Tasmania’s borders are opened our venues can flourish. But with this comes added pressures to be able to handle a sudden upswing in demand and patronage. Until the premier provides a date on when interstate travel is back on the agenda, we will be encouraging patrons to get behind the recent launch of the ‘Don’t Forget Your Local’ Campaign. Tasmanians have been extremely lucky compared to some of our interstate counterparts in having relative freedom of movement, but it is still vital they continue to support you as industry operators. Whether it be ducking into local venues for a quick drink, a parmie or a three course meal, the THA will continue to promote the message as we know to keep seeing seats filled is our number one priority.
your local
Support yours today.
Hospitality Review: October 2021 7
Hospitality Review: October 2021 6
DDB-4611-03_RTB_DFYL-SCHOONER_Press_297x210mm_FA.indd 1
8/10/21 4:37 pm
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog