3 May Industry seeks urgent action from Government to address critical labour & skills shortages May 3, 2021 By Jenny Le April 2021 Key News Update 0 As we move into a post-JobKeeper environment, with the continued closure of international borders, uncertainty around state borders and the loss of migrant and casual workers, the industry is struggling to fill the significant labour and skills gaps that have emerged, as uneven demand returns. The Association has been active in raising the issue of shortages both at a State and Federal level. Those who have engaged with the Academy will acknowledge the solid work being done to encourage Australians into the industry, provide the training and the placement into hotels. However, there are immediate and critical shortages specifically for housekeepers and chefs, which are directly impacting the ability of the industry to rebound. The lack of available people for these roles is resulting in the closure of rooms and outlets, reduction of service and reduced capacity for creating amazing experiences. We have been active in documenting these impacts and liaising with the offices of Minister Hawke and Minister Tehan, Home Affairs, Immigration and the National Skills Commission directly. We anticipate a policy response in the coming month. In the medium and long term, the current Inquiry into Skilled Migration by the Joint Standing Committee on Migration, has provided us with an opportunity to reinforce the changes required if the industry is to access the labour and skills necessary to recover in a timely and sustainable way. Ultimately, a responsive migration program that is less expensive, less complex, timelier and recognises the importance of pathways to permanent migration, will be essential to the full recovery of the accommodation sector and the ability of the Australian visitor economy to meet increases in visitor demand. Related Articles Victoria Tourism Industry Council congratulates Scott Morrison The Victoria Tourism Industry Council congratulates the Hon Scott Morrison MP, and the Liberal National Coalition team, on their success in the 2019 federal election. VTIC looks forward to working with the re-elected Coalition government as it develops policies to grow the Victorian tourism, hospitality and events industry over the next four years. Positioning Australia’s Tourism Industry for the Future Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham urged stakeholders, from local and state governments to peak industry bodies and individual tourism operators to have their say on the future direction of the industry. Our plan to back Australia's tourism industry and create more jobs Minister for Trade, Tourism, and Investment, Simon Birmingham, says a re-elected Morrison Government will continue to grow Australia's $136 billion tourism industry as part of our plan to keep the economy strong and generate another 1.25 million jobs across Australia Message from the CEO - October This weekend will see Queenslanders head to the voting booth in the second election since COVID-19 . WAGES TO INCREASE FROM 1 JULY 2019 The wage increase is 3% of the base rate for each wage level, to apply only to the pays for the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2019 Accommodation Association’s Gappa Program a game changer for JobSeekers and Sector The very first placement as part of the Accommodation Association’s game-changing gap year experience The Gappa Program is already proving a winner for everyone involved. Showing 0 Comment Comments are closed.