By Clyde Mooney – editor Australian Hotelier
Throwing its two cents into the election melting pot, the AHA has come out in support of an initiative that resonates with its constituency and calls for consideration by both political parties.
Toasting the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (ACCI) national advocacy campaign ‘Small Business – too big to ignore”, AHA National CEO Des Crowe spoke of the concerns of the national hotel industry and its importance to community.
“While some hotels are large-scale operations, the vast majority of Australian pubs and hotels are small, locally-owned businesses proudly serving their surrounding communities – that’s why this pre-election campaign is so crucial to our sector.” [continued below]
“We are calling on the next Government to have more emphasis on workforce development in the hotel and hospitality sector.”
The campaign centres around its ‘Big 4 Issues’ of: the need to reduce ‘Red Tape’; simplification of the ‘Tax System’; obligations and penalties surrounding ‘Employment’; and the need for greater ‘Infrastructure’.
Crowe echoed these concerns, citing the AHA’s call for the next elected Government to “address the needs of the hotel industry” including a review of the “failure to engage” by the Job Services network.
Itself a member of ACCI, the AHA has committed full support and will distribute over 100,000 campaign coasters to venues around the country.
ACCI chief executive Peter Anderson joined Crowe at the launch in Sydney’s Republic Hotel, welcoming the AHA’s decision.
“We hope whenever someone lifts their glass this election, they look at one of these coasters and spare a thought for the hard working small business men and women that serve their drinks and their community.”