Labor Leader and Shadow Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events REBECCAWHITE
EDITORIAL
Labor proposes further measures to support business and jobs The past two years have been tough for many Tasmanians, not least of them businesses and workers in the tourism and hospitality industry. During the first wave of Covid-19 in 2020, border closures and other restrictions prompted a massive downturn and forced many businesses and workers to rely on the JobKeeper or JobSeeker supplements. It’s testament to their resilience, innovation and determination that so many were able to bounce back even as our borders remained shut. As one of the few places in the world to be Covid- free in 2021, the Gutwein Government had the luxury of time to prepare Tasmania for what the border reopening and return of Covid would mean. They repeatedly told us they were prepared. But the truth is that within days of the reopening, the government abandoned contact tracing, thousands of Tasmanians couldn’t get access to testing, the rules constantly changed and non- urgent health services like elective surgeries and child health check-ups were cancelled. Labor acknowledges the government has provided some financial support to business, but it’s clear that many feel hugely let down as they once again face an uncertain future. While the now-former Tourism and Hospitality Minister Sarah Courtney holidayed in France, Laborwas travelling the state talking to businesses and workers about the strain they are under. These discussions made it clear that more is needed from this government to ensure businesses and workers survive.
Businesses have told us the process to apply for Covid support is too onerous and complicated and needs to be simplified to reduce red tape and give them the ready access to support they deserve. In the absence of JobKeeper, and with State Government grants not adequately recognising the stress workers have faced with the loss of hours and income, Labor recognises that more needs to be done to keep workers engaged with their place of employment. We’ve also heard from businesses under severe financial pressure having difficulty maintaining employment levels. Labor wants to protect jobs and is proposing payroll support, red-tape reduction and the waiver of some of the fixed costs businesses face. Businesses eligible for the Covid-19 Support Grants should also be able to apply for a Worker Support Grant equivalent to 20 per cent of their payroll for February, up to a maximum of $5000 per week. A similar scheme has been established in New South Wales. We propose a streamlined grant application process aswell as assistancewithwater, electricity and land tax bills. We also want the government to extend the eligibility of the payroll tax waiver for the current quarter so businesses impacted by the border reopening can qualify. Labor has listened to the feedback and will keep pushing this government to do the same. Because if we don’t support local businesses and jobs now, they might not be here in a few months.
Hospitality Review: February 2022 15
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