The Australian Hotels Association has welcomed the Federal Government’s $130b wage subsidy “Jobkeeper” package saying it will help many hoteliers retain their ‘vital connection to staff’.
The new package will see businesses impacted by COVID-19 - including hotels - able to access a subsidy to continue paying employees. Affected employers will be able to claim a fortnightly payment of $1500 per eligible employee, for a maximum of six months.
Australian Hotels Association National CEO Stephen Ferguson said the Association had been pushing for a system where employers were paid a rebate for keeping staff on for some time.
“Firstly, I want to thank the Prime Minister and the Federal Government for announcing this scheme and the Opposition for supporting it,” he said.
“There is a lot more detail to work through, but I can say it is vital for hoteliers to retain a connection to their loyal staff as much as possible during this critical period and this package goes some way toward helping us do that."
Likewise, AHA Newcastle Hunter President Rolly de With said the support package would allow hospitality teams to stay together and allow hoteliers to actively retain valuable members of staff.
"We welcome this package that will allow the music of our combined efforts to continue. The hum of a kitchen, the chorus of a front bar, the melody of people’s laughter, and the rhythm of a team working together in harmony..." - Rolly de With
"When COVID-19 began to impact our industry, hoteliers and their staff were compared to the ill-fated band that tried their best to keep playing as the Titanic famously sank," he said.
"While the show cannot go on right now, this wage subsidy “Jobkeeper” package announced by the Federal Government means that as an industry, we can at least keep the band together.
"By giving business owners the ability to retain staff throughout this period, our industry can stay connected and prepare for the inevitable opening night, when we once again will entertain, welcome and create the warming atmosphere our industry is famous for.
"We welcome this package that will allow the music of our combined efforts to continue. The hum of a kitchen, the chorus of a front bar, the melody of people’s laughter, and the rhythm of a team working together in harmony.
"This initiative also allows employers to demonstrate in no uncertain terms the value of their staff, and for staff to recognise the crucial role they play within a business."