QHA-Review_July_digital

FEATURE
“We’ve had TAA over in China just recently, and Senator
Farrell is actually going across with a delegation as well,
not just for trade, but for tourism, because we really do
need to see that start coming back.
“There’s a few interesting things happening in the
state space as well, including leave and outsource
housekeeping, which we’re very dependent on in hotels.
Portable long service leave is now also being legislated
for the accommodation and food sector as well. So
that’s a bit scary and something that we’re looking at,
because that’ll start getting pushed into other states
as well.
“There is also affordable housing. That’s a big one
happening across all of the states and everyone’s really
feeling that at the moment. We’re seeing some reprieve
in staffing with working holidaymakers, because we’re
now slowly seeing them come back. I’m pleased to say
that we’ve got over 133,000 working holiday makers
back in the country, which is great. That’s only about
10% down on what we had pre-pandemic. So that’s
helping us in that labour force right around the country,”
he said.
It’s incredible, hard-working people like Michael and the
day-to-day business of the AHA and TAA that ensures
our industry maintains a positive line of communication
with both sides of government right across the country.
Which is important, because the closer the national
hospitality and tourism sector is to government, the
more successes the QHA will have for its members,
supporters and the industry as a whole.
“I often tell people to please contact me, because they
always say, ‘Oh, we don’t want to bother you,’ but that’s
why we’re here. We’re here to be bothered because we
need to know what the issues are so that we can be
fighting the good fight on behalf of our members.
“I’m looking forward to getting up to Queensland again.
We’ve got committees operating up there and it’s about
to be more of a joint environment, which is amazing as
well. There’s great representation for Queensland hotels
and there’s nothing but good things happening for the
future, so I’m really excited about that,” Michael said.
QHA REVIEW | 24
Listen to the complete interview and more
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