Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan and Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry have met with tourism leaders in Yeppoon, amid rising concerns over the costs of doing business, new taxes proposed by the Labor Government and escalating amounts of red tape.
It comes as Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s latest survey revealed 52 per cent of operators describe their trading position as under pressure, 16 per cent report severe pressure, and 4 per cent indicate they are at risk of closure. As well as that, 28 per cent of operators reported bookings down by more than 30 per cent.
“Tourism is a key driver of the Central Queensland economy as it is for many regions in Australia, but the Government has not been listening to the industry,” Senator Canavan said.
“If it had, it would be supporting those operators that have struggled from the fuel crisis.
“Michelle and I listened and we heard that small businesses are doing it really tough now. The local tourism industry I heard from do not want government handouts. They want a government that manages our economy better.
“When the economy goes south, like it is now, people cut back on tourism spending first. Our tourism sector is on the frontlines of the high inflation and interest rates that this Government has presided over.”
Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said tourism is vital to Capricornia, supporting local jobs, small businesses, and communities right across our region.
“Operators in Yeppoon and across Capricornia are already doing it tough, and Labor’s broken promises Budget is only making things harder,” Ms Landry said.
“Capricornia deserves better than a Budget that undermines confidence and hurts one of our most important industries.”
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll said compounding issues have placed unprecedented pressure on tourism and hospitality businesses including the recent national award wage decision.
“Operators particularly in regional and rural Australia, which have suffered the most from the fuel crisis, are already under enormous financial pressure from government regulations and charges, with the recent changes in taxation, superannuation and award wages increases from 1st July a huge blow to their profitability,” Ms Carroll said.
“Our industry is calling for a range of federal government fees and charges to be either waivered or deferred, including the Environmental Management Charge (EMC) for marine operators, lease and regulatory payments, as well as a fuel rebate for tourism transport operators.”
Freedom Fast Cats owner Max Allen said there has been a significant reduction in visitor demand, compared with the same periods last year.
“The reduction is particularly concerning, given we are now entering what would traditionally be our peak grey nomad season,” Mr Allen said.
“January was down almost 30 per cent on the previous year and April was down more than 23 per cent. Government policy is increasingly focused on additional taxation and regulation rather than improving productivity and encouraging business investment. Regional tourism operators need less bureaucracy, greater investment certainty, stronger support for workforce participation and policies that encourage domestic travel.
“Unfortunately, families are now watching every dollar and many are simply choosing not to travel. When fuel prices, accommodation costs and general household expenses continue to rise, holidays are often one of the first things people cut back on.”
[Ends]
Media Contact:
Office of Michelle Landry MP
0418 908 159
michelle.landry.mp@aph.gov.au
