Labor is calling on the State and Federal Liberal Governments to commit to its plan to rescue and rebuild Tasmania’s tourism industry.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said 2020 has and continues to be one of the most challenging years the tourism sector has ever faced and our plan would assist the industry get back on its feet.
“Foremost, Labor believes it is precisely the wrong time to be scaling back income support. It is essential the Gutwein and Morrison Governments agree to extend JobKeeper,” Ms White said.
“The borders may have opened but social distancing restrictions remain tight and that means most businesses are operating well below capacity but with all the same costs.
“The cancellation of signature events like Mona Foma and the Taste will deal a further blow to summer trading.
“The Government must invest more to help re-imagine the state’s events landscape, which supports accommodation, hospitality and the creative industries, and extend the travel vouchers scheme to include cafes and restaurants.
“Labor’s plan for recovery includes State Government investment in tourism infrastructure across Tasmania’s iconic national parks and unique natural attractions, and strategic investments in growing capacity including upgrading Hobart Airport to an international terminal.
“And we cannot afford to wait until 2028 for the Spirit of Tasmania vessels to be replaced. This must be brought forward as a matter of priority.
“The importance of investing in skills and training cannot be overstated and Labor’s proposal is to underpin this starting with our Free TAFE policy.
“No-one could have predicted the extent to which the world has been flipped on its head by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“And with our plan we want to back in and show Labor’s support for Tasmania’s tourism industry which has weathered so much and shown such a remarkable level of resilience and strength throughout this crisis.”
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
