The Prime Minister’s announcement of the JobKeeper payment could be a lifeline for tourism businesses needing to retain staff while they are not able to trade. TTNQ and our members have lobbied for a wage subsidy as a priority for the tourism sector and I encourage you to investigate whether it will assist your business.
»» View JobKeeper payment information.
Over the past three weeks the region has seen more than $200 million in cancellations and lost visitor spend with more than 2650 jobs lost in the tourism industry.
JobKeeper will allow businesses to pay critical staff such as marine engineers, wildlife keepers, housekeepers, maintenance staff and our vital sales and marketing teams who need to remain in their roles while the business is closed to enable a quick recovery.
It will support many businesses in the retail and hospitality sector including accommodation, cafes operating a takeaway menu, and small retailers to retain some staff so they can continue to operate.
Tropical North Queensland is home to highly skilled and specialised staff including marine skippers and engineers, Master Reef Guides and Savannah Guides and TTNQ will work with government to see how these roles can be further supported and utilised during the down time.
The destination’s recovery will be strengthened if these teams are in place with strategies ready to entice people to travel again.
If the industry is ready to accelerate it could bring forward $500 million in visitor spend in our region and support 2500 jobs coming back on line up to six months earlier.
The Federal and State governments and Cairns Regional Council have announced multiple packages to help businesses and individuals financially. TTNQ has collated these on our corporate website to assist members and we are a phone call away if you need help.
I also encourage you to be mindful of the stress this extraordinary global crisis is placing on you, your family and your friends. Please reach out to them, seek help and ensure you are not trying to cope alone.
A reminder that TTNQ is offering every TTNQ member up to two hours’ of free HR advice from HR Dynamics. TTNQ will cover this cost. Please take advantage of this service.
We all need to be kind to ourselves and others.
Cheers
Mark Olsen
Chief Executive Officer
01 April 2020