The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) and the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) have all issued statements welcoming the Morrison Government’s announcement yesterday of the extension of a two-tiered, phased JobKeeper until the end of March 2021.
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ATEC
“The extension of JobKeeper has been highly anticipated by businesses across the economy and none will be more grateful than Australia’s tourism industry to see its continuation,” ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley said.
“This extension will give tourism operators the security of knowing they can plan about retention of staff and management of resources moving forward as they attempt to navigate a difficult period between now and when the international borders re-open.”
TTF
TTF Chief Executive Margy Osmond said the industry had been strongly advocating for an extension to the JobKeeper program though to at least March of next year to enable the sector to survive and provide more time to recover.
“As the significant economic and health challenges brought about by COVID-19 remain front and centre over the immediate period ahead, the Government has heard the voice of the tourism industry loud and clear about the critical need to continue JobKeeper in place as an economic lifeline.
“From accommodation providers, airlines, airports and cruising through to tourism operators, major and business events, performing arts centres and restaurants and cafes, today’s announcement gives our industry critical breathing space.
“JobKeeper 2.0 will help to save thousands more tourism employees from the unemployment queue and keep them in jobs so that when we eventually come out the other side of COVID-19, we will be ready to move swiftly into the recovery phase.”
AFTA
AFTA CEO Darren Rudd said the decision was a victory for the travel and tourism industry, which lobbied the Government vigorously for the six-month extension.
“COVID-19 hit travel and tourism operators earlier than other industries and will continue to impact for longer so ongoing support is vital. Government is listening to us and this is a new win which has been achieved through collaborative and constructive interaction at all levels of government and across the political spectrum.
“Keeping the scheme going – albeit at a slightly lower rate and with tighter eligibility tests – provides a lifeline to viable businesses and our members. These are businesses that might otherwise have closed their doors for good, leaving people without jobs and consumers without support at a time when they need it more than ever.”
