6 minute read
Thank You For Your Support This Year
from Hotel SA Dec 2024
by Boylen
From the CEO
ANNA MOELLER
FIVE MAJOR WINS FOR MEMBERS
Two years of behind-the-scenes work paid off this month when the government announced a series of legislative reforms that will greatly benefit hotels.
Speaking at the AHA|SA President’s Lunch in early December, Premier Peter Malinauskas revealed plans to remedy problems with vexatious noise complaints, gaming machine transfers, trading hours and the erosion in value of hotel licences.
CHANGES TO TRADING ROUND SYSTEM
The Trading Round Review is now complete with the system set to move from being commissionerannounced and managed to industry real time trading on an electronic platform.
Members can access the new system this month by way of two demo sessions to see how it works, with the go live date February next year. At that point, members will be able to trade whenever and with whomever they choose.
For hotels with gaming rooms across more than one venue, entitlements can be moved very easily amongst the group.
Whilst agreeing on the new system, crafting the legislation to match and then developing the technology has taken some time we have achieved an excellent outcome excellent outcome.
RED TAPE REFORM
Several of the changes we have been advocating for are linked to the review of the Licensing Act. While originally intended to be a standard review with tweaking of the grand reforms some years ago, we took a different view. The AHA|SA used it as an opportunity to advocate for members on issues that are particularly important for the industry.
One of the red tape reduction wins is that, under certain circumstances, members will no longer have to “comply with the application for a community impact statement”, the Premier announced.
That is welcome news! Impact statements are a significant time and cost burden.
We understand that there are other changes to reduce the ever-growing burden of red tape that David Basheer raised as a key concern. The changes that have been proposed by the government will reduce pressure on hotels and other hospitality businesses.
We’ve been lobbying very strongly for two years because aspects of the Licensing Act do not work in the way the way they were intended. But we have been fortunate to be working with a Government Minister, Andrea Michaels, who is prepared to listen and take action.
It doesn’t matter how much we talk, nor how good our ideas are, if we don’t have ministers that are receptive to industry needs and pressures on small and family businesses.
NOISE COMPLAINTS
The Premier also revealed greater protection against noise complaints that will help protect hotels and live music.
The number of complainants required to take action against a venue will be increased from one to ten households.
Furthermore, Premier Malinauskas has committed to amending legislation so that the rights of pre-existing venues are prioritised over people who choose to reside close to a hotel but then complain about noise.
TRADING HOURS
The State Government will now give the Minister the power to declare blanket extended trading hours for special events. Venues will not have to make application; it will be automatically granted to all licensed premises.
Again, another piece of legislation that passes the “pub test” and we look forward to.
Summing up that initiative the Premier said: “You shouldn't have to apply for it. It should just be easily done.”
The AHA|SA wholeheartedly agrees.
HOTEL LICENCE REFORM
Saving the best until last, Premier Malinauskas announced to the AHA|SA President’s Lunch guests that the government will separate general and hotel licences into separate categories.
This reform is a major, commonsense win for the industry.
Yes, in reality it is simply giving back the value to hotels that has been diminished in recent times – but it is wonderful news!
BEST WISHES
As an industry, we’ve been granted some early Christmas ‘presents’. It’s taken a lot of hard work, patience and perseverance and I want to thank the members and staff who worked tirelessly to achieve these goals.
But as I said earlier, it has also taken a government that is prepared to listen and take action.
So, in closing, let me wish you profitable trading during the festive season, a joyous and safe Christmas with your loved ones and a strong start to 2025.
2024 Achievements for Members
Increased membership by an additional 40 venues
Welcomed 14 new Corporate Partners
Strengthened our relationships at all levels of government and across a range of stakeholders and decision makers
Received $100,000 in grant funding enabling the creation and delivery of a broad suite of free training to members in leadership, management, bystander intervention, mental health and wellbeing, conflict management, digital marketing and business fundamentals
Delivered 21 Small Business Fundamentals training sessions to 290 participants
Trained 2,493 gaming venue staff in Responsible Service of Gambling
Reintroduced the delivery of Responsible Service of Alcohol training
Commenced the process of redeveloping industry training to shorten length of apprenticeships and ensure current and relevant content
Introduction of a Learning Management System delivering alternate and accessible learning platforms for industry participants
Redeveloped all Responsible service of Gambling training to ensure a consistent, relevant and industry led approach
Expanded our Employment Relations response with growth to our team
Focussed advocacy at state and federal levels for fairer migration settings
Worked collaboratively with the Regulator to develop and implement a new Trading Round System to provide for real time electronic trading and easier movement of entitlements within hotel groups
Targeted advocacy for a reduction to the alcohol excise tax
Introduced an ‘On the Road Service’ providing venue visits for IR / HR / Licencing support
Worked with the Regulator to redesign both the content and distribution of player activity statements.
Worked with manufacturers to advocate successfully against changes to gaming approvals that would have a detrimental impact on the games and machines available within the state
Successfully overturned a harmful decision for accommodation hotels in relation to payroll tax grouping
Worked closely with the Equal Opportunity Commission and office to ensure that we are an industry of choice for both the community and staff
204 Customer Conflict Resolution and Bystander Intervention Training attendees
Brought to an end, the unnecessary administrative burden surrounding casual conversion provisions.
Successfully called for the reduction of red tape and an improved business environment leading to draft licensing reforms
100 attendees for the inaugural HR & Employment Conference: Navigate and Engage
Worked federally to negotiate a definition of casual employees suitable to our industry
