+ New rights for workplace delegates
+ Enhancing our advocacy with member video profiles
+ Hotel WiFi hacker threats
+ Winter Inspirations
SHORT-TERM MIGRATION ‘FIXES’ A THREAT TO HOTELS
From the President
DAVID BASHEER
The next Federal Election has taken on added significance for AHA|SA members, as both major parties have targeted migration as key policy areas.
These policies have the potential to further reduce our employment pool.
To examine the need to future-proof our sector, projections are that Australia will require an extra 26,000 cooks and chefs alone over the next 10 years. Members fully understand we are not starting that journey form a strong base.
Additionally, we will require an extra 12,000 restaurant, accommodation and hotel managers - all of which are roles that are difficult to fill today.
Alarmingly for our industry, cooking apprenticeships have dropped below pre-Covid levels. In September 2023, there were only 2,760 new apprenticeships, compared to 4,255 apprenticeship commencements in September 2021.
The drop in traineeships in that period has been even greater.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE
As the gap in our labour force needs deepens, the AHA|SA believes that several critical measures are essential to prevent the inevitable black hole.
Up until 2017, employer-sponsored migrants - either temporary or permanent – were approved for virtually any occupation, provided there was a proven skill need. This programme was incredibly responsive to fill the skill gaps, particularly when it existed in local or regional areas.
As it stands today, the current criteria relies upon Canberra determining a list of assessed skill shortages that covers the entire nation.
And, as any member who has attempted to access this system quickly learns, it is a costly and complex process that lacks any employer certainty of a positive outcome.
The current ‘national-only’ approach discriminates against smaller cities like Adelaide, and absolutely against our regions.
Wages are likely to be lower in these regions, which hurts the migration criteria. But that fails to take into account this will still deliver similar economic outcomes for the immigrant, given cheaper rents and lower cost of living pressures.
Meeting our future work needs is not isolated to migration. We are suffering from the curious decision to remove the Governmentfunded apprenticeship and trainee incentives, along with the reduction in the number of publicly-funded students undertaking hospitality qualifications.
The AHA|SA would welcome a better linkage with schools, so training can commence in the school year, allowing apprentices to be completed at a younger age. And, as you would be aware, the AHA|SA has lobbied relentlessly for the four-year apprenticeships - a relic of a bygone era - to be modernised without ‘dumbing down’ the value of the qualification.
BACKPACKERS
To make matters worse, the Federal Government has commenced consultation on scrapping the
“Alarmingly for our industry, cooking apprenticeships have dropped below pre-Covid levels.”
requirement for backpackers to work in regional areas for a minimum of 88 days.
This would deliver another major blow to country Australia that desperately needs to attract employees, not to mention the hole it will leave in small, regional economies.
On a more positive note, the Government has rejected a suggestion to cap the backpackers visa to only one year.
Finally, overseas students are an important part of our workforce. There is a mood to reduce this sector to a ‘more sustainable level.’
Not only are there moves to reduce visa numbers, but to place more barriers in place, such as increasing international visa fees from $710 to $1600, the highest in the world.
Some people seem to have forgotten that international students not only form an important part of our workforce, but also our tourism economy.
Study Adelaide have revealed 20% of seats on international flights are passengers visiting relatives. Admittedly, not all those relatives are students, but mum, dad, brothers and sisters visiting their family members are a huge part of that.
Of course, these family visitors don’t stay at the student accommodation halls or eat in their food areas. They book hotel rooms and restaurants during their stay.
Getting migration settings right offers both short-term - but more
critically longer term - benefits in getting the system working for industry. The current ‘one size fits all’ approach is hurting, rather than assisting our labour crisis.
NEW LICENSING AND GAMBLING COMMISISONER
Anna and I recently met the new Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, Martyn Campbell.
Martyn is an experienced regulator. In a career spanning nearly four decades, he has worked as a Detective Inspector with both UK and South Australian Police, and has been the Workplace Ombudsman, Assistant Commissioner at the Australian Taxation Office and Executive Director of SafeWork SA.
Our initial meeting with the Commissioner was a positive one, and we look forward to working positively with Martyn on a range of our key issues.
David Basheer, AHA|SA President
In this issue, we have combined the President's and CEO's videos to provide an extended overview of current issues. It is broken into chapters so you can skip ahead to the topics you are interested in. You’ll see the chapters in the timeline of the video when you hover your mouse over it, or by expanding the description.
Intro
00:42 - Record number of Corporate Partners
02:26 - Advocacy on Payroll Tax and reforms
04:25 - Upcoming State and Federal elections
05:22 - Beer excise and advocacy update
07:29 - United national accommodation voice
08:03 - Government funding for AHA|SA programs
10:48 - Tackling the hotels skills shortage
12:19 - Attracting more events into SA
14:12 - Leading the nation in minimising gambling harm
15:24 - Communicating with key decision makers
Watch Video
RECORD LEVEL OF TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Digital Content Manager A Timely Appointment
From the CEO
The AHA|SA is committed to raising the bar when it comes to industry training and development. The complexity of managing a modern hotel, the pace of change and ever-evolving compliance demands mean that today’s hotel owner or manager and indeed their staff need to commit to “lifelong learning”.
Our goal is to help you gain a competitive edge in the increasingly competitive hospitality sector. This of course can be an expensive exercise, which is why we are committed to sourcing as much funding as possible to deliver as many services as we can either free of charge or at a heavily subsidised rate.
In this column, I want to provide a short overview of the broad suite of free services/training that we currently have on offer at the moment.
Small Business Fundamental Program:
• Financial Management, Cash Flow & Budgeting. Particularly valuable for those businesses looking to solidify
their understanding of the fundamentals of business and cash flows and is tailored to the hotel industry. This is timely in the wake of COVID and now the cost of living crisis.
• Leadership & Management. This has been particularly successful. Sessions are being regularly booked out in record time. We are looking to see if we can source additional funding to enable us to continue to run these sessions.
• Digital Marketing. These sessions are aimed at leaders or managers in small and family businesses. Topics range from website user experience and SEO, to social media and integrating digital into your marketing plan.
• Hospitality Focused Sustainability Workshop. This is being delivered with 2XE as part of the Small Business Sustainability Support program and follows the successful launch of the Sustainability Guide for the SA Hotel Industry (Green Industries SA). It’s an interactive and practical workshop designed
to help you to get the most out of the Guide and how to implement it.
• The Guide has been extraordinarily well received. It’s easy to understand and packed with ways to easily make your business more sustainable and save money through the introduction of sustainable practices.
• Bystander Intervention Training. Practical training for owners, operators and staff tailored to the hotel industry and designed to provide strategies to identify and address inappropriate conduct within venues. This training will take you from Bystander to Upstander.
• Customer Conflict Resolution Training (Maybo). Extremely practical, this is another course that has been very popular.
• Mental Health First Aid Training (Breakthough Mental Health Research Foundation). We care about the mental health of everyone in our industry, including patrons and guests. I’m pleased to report that this workshop continues to be very popular.
ANNA MOELLER
“Our goal is to help you gain a competitive edge in the increasingly competitive hospitality sector.”
GOVERNMENT FUNDING
The team at the AHA|SA has done a very professional job in securing funding for these initiatives.
We are very grateful to the government for their contribution.
Now I urge members to overwhelmingly support these workshops so that we continue to receive funding in the future.
REGIONAL NEEDS
In developing these programs, we have made sure they are being
Quick Links
delivered in our regions, either in person or online.
It’s been noted before that rural areas face unique challenges in finding and developing staff.
This is one part of the solution.
THINK OF YOUR STAFF
While you may not need these courses at the present moment, think of your team.
Giving them the time to participate is an investment in making your hotel a better place to visit.
Upskilling leads to great productivity
Click these links to jump to stories that interest you:
• Telling your stories - new initiatives
• Additional powers for workplace delegates
• Is wifi a cyber weakness in your hotel?
and profitability. And well-trained staff also translates to fewer problems and people who can grasp new opportunities.
THE FUTURE
The training we offer will continue to be needs-based and targeted to the hotel industry.
We are now providing the strongest suite of free training and services in AHA |SA history.
But watch this space because we will be releasing details of even more initiatives in the months ahead.
Anna Moeller, AHA|SA CEO
Pub schnitty chips in for worthy cause
Not a single day goes by without individual hotels contributing financially to worthwhile causes. The latest example of this is the support pubs provided for #schnitty4sam, an initiative of the Sammy D Foundation which raises awareness about the impacts of violence.
The top three hotels to contribute were the Alma Tavern, Hilton Hotel – My Bar and the Flagstaff Hotel.
“We’re amazed to see in 2024, Schnitty4sam has grown far beyond its humble roots, raising a total of $60,252,” said Brigid Koenig, CEO.
“SA hotels have played a key part in
the initiative over the past two years and we are enormously grateful.”
Sixteen years ago, 17-year-old Sam Davis played a game of football, had a schnitzel for dinner at his clubrooms, and then went to a party, just like he had many times before. Only this time Sam didn’t come home.
Sammy D champions Ollie Wines and Matthew Nicks united off the field supporting #schnitty4sam with Sam’s brother Sid.
AHA | SA MEMBER CONTRIBUTION
49 PARTICIPATING VENUES
2,959 SCHNITTIES SOLD $ 13,903 RAISED
“We’re amazed to see in 2024, Schnitty4sam has grown far beyond its humble roots, raising a
total of
$60,252.”
In April 2020 #schnitty4sam was born - a chance for our community to show their support by sharing Sam’s favourite, and tragically last, meal.
“Schnitty4sam continues to be more than just a fundraiser, it’s an opportunity for all involved to be Sam’s voice, and to play a part in making our community a safer place,” said Brigid.
“Every dollar raised throughout this vital campaign supports the Sammy D Foundation to deliver education programs in our community.”
Since 2008, the Sammy D Foundation has spread Sam's message across hundreds of schools, community groups, and sporting clubs, raising awareness
and educating over 260,000 young people about the consequences of violent behaviour, and the risks associated with alcohol and drug misuse.
Top five fundaising venues:
• Alma Tavern, Norwood $2,275
• Hilton Hotel, MyBar $1,365
• Flagstaff Hotel $725
• Warradale Hotel
$650
• The Stirling Hotel
$605
Sam Davis.
Small Business Sustainability Support Program
Does your business need support in:
• An increased understanding of how you can address environmental sustainability issues?
• A deeper understanding of emissions reduction and sustainability options for your business?
• An improved ability to access and understand data sources for your emissions?
Following the successful launch of our Sustainability Guide for the SA Hospitality Industry,
thanks to funding and support from Green Industries SA, we're pleased to promote the State Government’s Office for Small and Family Business’s Small Business Sustainability Support Program, which addresses all of the issues raised above.
We encourage you to attend an upcoming sustainability workshop in your region:
Click here to register for a free sustainability workshop and more information about other supports available through the program.
South Australia has been a trailblazer in a commitment to sustainability, putting Adelaide on course to become the world's first carbon-neutral city. SA hotels have already made huge steps in their approach to waste management, energy savings, and addressing environmental concerns.
We hope to see many of you attend and learn about the savings you can make, while enhancing our vision to make SA the destination state!
If you have any questions, please contact Natarsha at the AHA|SA: nstevenson@ahasa.asn.au
Nick Palousis - Managing Director 2XE, Anna Moeller -CEO AHA|SA, Josh Wheeler - GISA A/Chief, at the launch of the Sustainability Guide for the South Australian Hotel Industry.
Increase Your Financial Knowledge And Business Resilience FREE
WORKSHOPS
• Do you want to better manage your cash flow and your business?
• Do you want to better understand your financial reporting to increase your profit margins?
• Do you want to know the industry’s key performance indicators and benchmarks?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, Bentleys Financial Resilience for Hospitality can help.
The State Government’s Office for Small and Family Business SA and the Australian Hotels Association (SA) have partnered with Bentleys SA to provide free specialist advice specific to the hospitality industry.
Designed for both business owners and managers across your venue, this session is suitable for anyone who works within a hotel and would like to increase their financial awareness. No background
knowledge is needed, and the content will be adaptable to suit the needs of participants. It is also suitable for those who wish to refresh their financial expertise or new to the industry.
Please click here for more information about the session and to register.
Places are strictly limited so book soon to avoid missing out.
*Please note, any cancellations require 48 hours notice otherwise a late cancellation fee may apply.
If you have any questions or would like to have a session in your region, please contact Natarsha at the AHA|SA nstevenson@ahasa.asn.au
Registration is now open for the next three sessions:
10am-12pm
7 August 2024 - 10am-12pm WHYALLA SESSION 20 August 2024 - 10am - 12pm Westland Hotel 100 McDouall Stuart Ave
Platinum Corporate Partner Spotlight –AON
AON have had a relationship with the AHA|SA and our members for over 30 years, 20 of those as a Platinum partner.
We caught up with AON Regional Manager, South Australia – National, Ian Furby, for a refresher on what he is seeing in pubs right now and the vast services his team can provide.
Ian said, “The biggest issue we’re seeing at the moment with a lot of hotels is not keeping their values up to date, with the increases in building costs that we’re seeing post-Covid.”
“Through the increase of interest rates, materials costs, we’ve been finding that, especially when we look at a new business for the first time, that they haven’t necessarily been keeping their values up to date. At the time of a claim, this could end up in a very adverse outcome when the payout comes from the insurer.”
Speaking about AON’s offerings, Ian said, “Apart from insurance placement services, which is what we’re best known for, AON can also provide evaluation services to make sure that pubs are insured for the correct amount.”
“We also look at risk assessments to make sure that pubs are shown in the best possible light to the insurance market.”
Ian’s team is based right here in South Australia, and they know the landscape and current market.
Ian said, “Insurance is there to protect pubs, protect the livelihood of the publicans that are there running organisations, but also to protect the staff that working for them as well.”
“The main objective is to get people back on their feet, up and running, the same way that they were prior to a loss actually occurring,” Ian said.
AON can assist members with:
• Material damage of business assets, including cover for money, theft, and glass
• Business interruption insurance which ensures your business income following your claim
• Hotel Public and Products liability for the operation of your business
• Machinery and electronic breakdown
• Fidelity insurance for theft by staff
• Management liability
AON remains the leading provider of insurance and risk management solutions to Australia’s hotel industry and proud to be endorsed by the AHA|SA.
When you need to lodge a claim, you will find AON’s claims management service is thorough and efficient.
Address: 22/91 King William St, Adelaide SA 5000
Phone: 8301 1111
Website: www.aon.com.au/hotels
email: au.hotels@aon.com
Ian Furby, AON Regional Manager SA.
Women in Hotels August Network –
Award Winning Hotels and winery Tour Register Now!
For 30 years, Women in Hotels has brought voices together across our industry.
Our next event on 20 August is shaping up to be a fantastic opportunity to network on a hotels and premium winery experience with us!
Starting at The Highway, the tour will drop by the Marion Hotel, then head to Dandelion Vineyard in McLaren Vale for a ‘Wonder Room’ bespoke experience, with a premium wine and culinary delight tasting. We will then head to the McLaren Vale Hotel for lunch, where we will be joined by special guest speakers. The tour will then head back to Adelaide via a stop at the Warradale Hotel, then we will finish back at The Highway. Times and details are listed below.
9.30-10.15am THE HIGHWAY Morning Tea on arrival
10.30-11am MARION HOTEL Hotel Tour
11.30am-12.15pm DANDELION VINEYARD Tour/ Tasting/Educational (Samuel Smith & Son)
12.15-3pm MCLAREN VALE HOTEL Lunch with Special Guest Speakers –Women in Wine
3.30-4pm WARRADALE HOTEL Pit Stop
COST $150pp Inc GST – includes bus transport, all food and beverages
Register by clicking here
Bookings close Wednesday, 14 August, so get in quick!
Follow the link to learn more about Women in Hotels, and we hope to see many more in our industry join this growing network
Please watch the below video to hear from inspiring women within the network from our last event.
4.15pm THE HIGHWAY Finish Watch Video
WIH May event attendees.
Enhancing Our Industry Advocacy With Members
The AHA|SA is excited to be launching a new fortnightly initiative across our social media, bringing the stories of South Australia’s publicans and hoteliers to members and their staff, corporate partners, government, industry stakeholders, and more!
“Since commencing in May this year, I have been on the road listening to members – their many achievements, but also issues that continue to be a roadblock in business growth," said AHA|SA Digital Content Manager, Josh Bevan.
“I believe that at its core, all good marketing and advocacy tells a story.
“The hotels industry is one that shows great camaraderie, and I’m most interested in the stories of the people behind the bar, in your restaurants, and accommodation.
“With so many positive stories that we will be amplifying moving forward and issues that AHA|SA specialists are working towards to make the industry better, there is a huge opportunity to create an ongoing narrative with members which will enhance our industry advocacy.
“Taking this a step further, we also aim to raise the profile of the hotels industry through these fortnightly videos, sharing the career pathways that members and their staff have taken,” Josh said.
Over the next couple of months, we look forward to bringing you: Earl of Leicester Hotel, Murray Bridge Hotel, Mawson Lakes Hotel and Function Centre, Yorke Valley Hotel, and Lobethal Hotel. Watch this space, and we hope you enjoy hearing about the rich history from just some of the people who make our industry the best it can be every second Thursday!
If you haven’t yet subscribed to our main social media channels, please click on the links below and follow us.
Chris Farmer, Owner of the Earl of Leicester.
Challenging inappropriate behaviour in the hospitality industry
Everyone deserves a safe working environment that is free of discrimination, bullying, and disrespectful behaviour. The South Australian hotels industry is taking a stand!
In June, AHA|SA CEO, Anna Moeller, signed our industry’s WE’RE EQUAL commitment, aimed at embracing inclusivity, diversity, and zero tolerance for violence in venues.
It was fantastic to be joined at the National Wine Centre of Australia with AHA|SA Council Members, Minister for Small and Family Business, the Hon. Andrea Michaels MP, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, the Hon. Katrine Hildyard MP, and South Australia’s Equal Opportunity SA Commissioner, Jodeen Carney.
Anna said, “We’re celebrating two things. Our commitment to WE’RE EQUAL, but also the launch of the AHA|SA’s Bystander to Upstander training with ISC Consulting, which will provide pubs across the state and their staff with all the strategies they will need to
prevent and address any inappropriate behaviour in their venues.”
“Challenging inappropriate behaviour where staff and the public are concerned can be overwhelming at times. We want to make sure that venue operators and their staff are well equipped with the necessary skills and resources to best manage these situations.”
“The AHA|SA is taking a stand and taking the lead in this space in South Australia to support our members and the broader industry sector,” Anna said.
Jodeen said, “Complaints to our office over many years showed that we needed to come up with an initiative to help businesses and organisations deal with discrimination in the workforce.”
“Under the state’s Equal Opportunity Act, there are 14 grounds of discrimination. The WE’RE EQUAL initiative aims to assist businesses to help their staff deal with discrimination when they see it, but also for businesses to nail their colours to the mast and say ‘we believe in
AHA|SA CEO, Anna Moeller, with SA Equal Opportunity Commission, Jodeen Carney.
social inclusion, we commit to our customers, suppliers and staff to treat them equally, respectfully and with dignity’, and for their business to be an easily identifiable safe place.”
“Having zero tolerance to discrimination and embracing difference and diversity is a good message and one for all South Australian’s to hear,” Jodeen said.
Anna said, “The South Australian hotels industry now has a massive opportunity to lead the nation in creating safer venues and workplaces of choice by saying “no” to violence and discrimination.”
Please watch the below video featuring Anna and Jodeen speaking more about the importance of our commitment and the training on offer.
The free half-day Bystander to Upstander training sessions at the AHA|SA head office are booking out quickly! Please click on one of the below dates to
register. If you can’t find a session that suits your staff, please email Anna Caretti: acaretti@ahasa.asn.au and we will register your interest for a future session.
• Thursday 8 August
• Wednesday 21 August
• Wednesday 18 September
• Thursday 26 September
Please note:
• There is a maximum of 2 attendees per venue that can register for each session.
• This course contains content that attendees might find disturbing, difficult to view or discuss, or which may be triggering for some attendees. The presenter will use their best endeavours to advise attendees of such material in advance of it being shown or discussed so attendees can decide whether to leave the room for that topic or part of the course.
Watch Video
Minister for Small and Family Business, the Hon. Andrea Michaels MP, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, the Hon. Katrine Hildyard MP, and South Australia’s Equal Opportunity SA Commissioner, Jodeen Carney.
REGIONAL MEETINGS
Members travelled from all over the Eyre Peninsula for the regional meeting in June. Tony Griffin at the Wudinna HotelMotel on the 18th of June and his wonderful team hosted the turnout, and we thank everyone who made the journey!
REGIONAL MEETINGS
A big thanks to publicans, Darren and Renne Banks, for hosting Yorke Peninsula members and corporate partners at the Yorke Valley Hotel , and for putting on a wonderful spread for lunch! A special welcome to a new AHA|SA member on the peninsula, Rhys O’Donohue, from the Hotel Maitland. Your AHA|SA is here to support you!
Additional Rights for Workplace Delegates
BY OWEN WEBB & SARAH LEGOE
On 15 December 2023 the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) was amended to include additional rights for workplace delegates. A model term was inserted into various Awards effective from 1 July 2024 which sets out the extent of these rights in respect of Award covered employees. This article will outline the new rights and when they apply together with the risks for employers should they prevent or obstruct a workplace delegate in the exercise of these rights.
Who can be a workplace delegate
A workplace delegate is a person who:
• is employed by the employer, and
• is a member of an employee organisation (i.e. union) entitled to represent workers at the workplace, and
• has been elected or appointed to be the delegate for the workplace in accordance with the rules of the employee organisation of which they are a member.1
Where the person is covered by a modern award (including the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (HIGA), the Restaurant Industry Award 2020 (RIA), General Retail Industry Award 2020 (GRIA) and the Registered and Licensed Clubs Award 2020 (RLCA)), or an enterprise agreement whether that enterprise
agreement contains a term dealing with workplace delegates’ right or not, an employee appointed as a workplace delegate must provide the employer with written notice that they have been appointed or elected as the workplace delegate. The employer may request evidence from the employee which confirms their appointment or election. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to, written confirmation from the relevant union or evidence of the outcome of the election.2
Where a person is covered by a modern award and that person ceases to be a workplace delegate for a particular workplace, that person must advise the employer in writing within 14 days of that person ceasing to be a workplace delegate.3 Employers covered by an Enterprise Agreement should refer to the Enterprise Agreement to determine whether such notice must be provided, how it should be provided and when it should be provided. In the event the Enterprise Agreement is silent on this matter, the person must provide the same notice as per the corresponding award.
A workplace delegate is not entitled to exercise their rights unless they have complied with the above.
What rights does a workplace delegate have A workplace delegate is entitled to:
(a) represent the industrial interest of members and persons eligible to be a member of the relevant union
Where the employee is covered by a modern award, ‘industrial interests’ includes the following:
(i) consultation about major workplace change or changes or rosters or hours of work;
(ii) resolving disputes;
(iii) disciplinary matters;
(iv) any other matters referred to in the award or in a workplace policy that allows employees to be represented.4
(b) reasonable communication with members and persons eligible to be a member of the relevant union about their industrial interests (see section 350C(3)(a) of the Act). For award covered employees, communications include discussing membership of the relevant union or discussing matters the delegate may be representing a worker(s) in.5 Nothing in respect of this right, requires an employer to provide the workplace delegate with contact details for eligible employees.6
Communications may occur during work hours, during breaks or before or after work.7
(c) workplace delegates must be provided with reasonable access to and use of facilities within the workplace for those communications. For award covered employees, this means:
(i) a room or area that is fit for purpose, private and accessible by the delegate and other employees;
(ii) a noticeboard (whether physical or electronic);
(iii) access to wifi and other electronic means of communication ordinarily used in the workplace (for example, email, Teams, phones etc);
(iv) computers, printers, scanners, photocopies and any other office facilities the delegate may need to access to carry out their duties.8
Endnotes
1 See section 350C(1) of the Act.
2 HIGA cl 37A.3; RIA cl 31A.3; GRIA cl 33A.3; RLCA cl 31A.3.
3 HIGA cl 37A.4; RIA cl 31A.4; GRIA cl 33A.4; RLCA cl 31A.4.
4 HIGA cl 37A.5; RIA cl 31A.5; GRIA cl 33A.5; RLCA cl 31A.5.
5 HIGA cl 37A.6; RIA cl 31A.6(a); GRIA cl 33A.6(a); RLCA cl 31A.6(a).
An employer does not need to provide access to or use of workplace facilities if they are not available or due to operational requirements (for example, it is not available or practicable at the time the delegate seeks access or use of the facilities).9 By way of example, it would not be reasonable for the workplace delegate to seek access to the bistro area of a hotel during meal service or when the area is open to the public or to request access to WiFi or computer services at a particular time if there is an IT outage or WiFi is not available due to the location.
What is deemed reasonable in respect of both the type of communication and access to facilities will depend on factors such as the size of the workplace and the facilities available.
(d) Unless the business is a small business employer (as defined in the Act), access to paid leave to attend training during normal working hours as follows:
(i) 5 days in respect of initial training for one workplace delegate per 50 eligible employees in a financial year; and
(ii) at least 1 day for training in each subsequent year.10
Training, for the purposes of this right, means training related to representing the industrial interests of employees. This is not dissimilar to what was historically known as union training leave. The Award sets out the period of notice the workplace delegate must provide to the employer, plus details of how the employee is to be paid.
In exercising their rights, an Award covered workplace delegate must comply with their obligations and duties as an employee, comply with policies and procedures of the employer (provide such policies and procedures are reasonable) and not hinder or obstruct employees in carrying out their duties.11
Eligible employees, where referred to in respect of these rights, means employees (whether engaged on a full time, part time or casual basis) who are eligible to be a member of the employee organisation that the workplace delegate is also a member of and under the rules of which that person has been elected or appointed in the position of workplace delegate.
6 HIGA cl 37A.6(a); RIA cl 31A.6(a); GRIA cl 33A.6(a); RLCA cl 31A.6(a).
7 HIGA cl 37A.6(b); RIA cl 31A.6(b); GRIA cl 33A.6(b); RLCA cl 31A.6(b).
8 HIGA cl 37A.7(a); RIA cl 31A.7(a); GRIA cl 33A.7(a); RLCA cl 31A.7(a).
9 HIGA cl 37A.7(b); RIA cl 31A.7(b); GRIA cl 33A.7(b); RLCA cl 31A.7(b).
10 HIGA cl 37A.8; RIA cl 31A.8; GRIA cl 33A.8; RLCA cl 31A.8.
11 HIGA cl 37A.9; RIA cl 37A.9; GRIA cl 33A.9; RLCA cl 31A.9.
AWARD FREE EMPLOYEES
A workplace delegate that is an Award Free employee, is still entitled to the rights set out above. Where there are more prescriptive requirements that apply to award covered employees, when it comes to Award Free employees, the employer and the delegate need to consider what may be reasonable in the circumstances in determining the scope of the rights and how they are to apply in the workplace.
ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT COVERED EMPLOYEES
For workplace delegates whose employment is covered by an Enterprise Agreement, the Enterprise Agreement should be referred to in respect of matters such as the number of days of paid training leave and the process for seeking approval. Where the Enterprise Agreement is silent on such matters, the same approach should apply as to Award covered employees.12
Non-compliance by the employer
An employer who:
(a) unreasonably fails or refuses to deal with a workplace delegate or unreasonably hinders or obstructs the delegate from carrying out their duties; or
(b) knowingly or recklessly makes a false or misleading representation to the workplace delegate exposes themselves to a general protections claim being made against the employer in the Fair Work
Endnotes
Commission (see section 350A of the Act), and the potential of pecuniary penalties being applied in the event a breach of section 350A of the Act is found to have occurred. Pecuniary penalties can be significant.
Non-compliance by the workplace delegate
In the event a workplace delegate is either:
(a) unreasonably fails or refuses to deal with a workplace delegate or unreasonably hinders or obstructs the delegate from carrying out their duties; or
(b) knowingly or recklessly makes a false or misleading representation to the workplace delegate the employer should firstly speak with the workplace delegate and advise them of the concerns with their behaviour. In the event the behaviour continues, the employer may wish to consider commencing disciplinary action (for example, issuing a warning etc) following the usual procedure and steps of procedural fairness. However, in taking disciplinary action employers must be mindful that they must not themselves be in breach section 350A of the Act.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Members should contact the AHA|SA to discuss any of the issues raised in this fact sheet.
This article contains information that is of a general nature and is for informational purposes only. This article, and its contents, does not constitute legal advice.
12 See Fair Work Commission, ‘Delegates’ rights terms in enterprise agreements’ (28 June 2024) <https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/resources/delegatesrights-terms-enterprise-agreements.pdf>.
Is Your Hotel Wi-Fi A Hacker Threat
A recent study found that 76% of hoteliers regard technology security as a serious concern.
This unease is valid. Hotels process a considerable number of online payments, making them a juicy target for criminals.
Analysis across 24 countries revealed a high percentage of attacks on hotels and in 98% of the breaches that were studied, credit card information was stolen.
At the sophisticated end of the scale, there have been multiple examples of hackers accessing smart thermostats and then jumping across the network into the hotel finance system.
But it’s the measures that are simple to put in place – but aren’t – that expose many hotels.
Wi-Fi is a prime example.
More and more venues offer free Wi-Fi and patrons expect it as part of your service offering.
However, criminals can tap into unencrypted Wi-Fi networks and steal information such as login credentials and credit card numbers.
Sangfor Technologies explain that “people let their guard down when traveling and rely on their lodging for dependable and secure services”.
They argue that “it should be the responsibility of hotel industries to deploy stringent cybersecurity measures to assure guests that their personal information will never be compromised.”
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Your own IT company is best placed to advise you on the necessary protection.
But NordVPN offers two excellent tips:
• “Network encryption. Many hotel Wi-Fi networks do not sufficiently encrypt the data you send over the network, allowing anyone with the right tools to intercept it. Currently, the most secure system is WPA3, but some hotels set up their networks a long time ago and forgot to update their encryption methods. It makes their guests easy targets for cybercriminals.
• “Old hardware. Unfortunately, many hotel owners are fond of the “if it’s not broken, why fix it?” mentality. But if the hotel set up its Wi-Fi network in 2010, for example, the routers are severely out of date by now and won’t support the latest security updates.”
LOCKDOWN
Cvent stresses the importance of physical security.
“Your organisation probably has multiple Wi-Fi access points around your hotel,” it says.
“Make sure these hardware access points are not accessible to guests. You don’t want just anyone walking up to them, since they can be reset to factory settings with the push of a button.
“In addition, it will be important for the hotel employee and guest networks to be separate so that even if bad actors do get onto the Wi-Fi network, they won’t gain access to financial or company information. Your IT department can help you segment your network so guest traffic and employee traffic are completely isolated from each other.”
NEXT STEPS
Security should be on your regular agenda.
Most hotels don’t have a full-time IT specialist on staff, so talk to your IT company. Get them to explain what your weaknesses are and the cost to fix them.
The good news is that it may even help reduce your insurance premium.
Global Ideas To Set Fire To Winter In SA
The AHA|SA presented a detailed submission to Treasury ahead of this year’s State budget, advocating for new funds to be invested to increase our winter tourism numbers. Listening to the AHA’s concerns, the Treasurer announced $14m over four years to expand the business events fund to focus on conferences during that traditional down time. Conferences should be the key driver for this State during winter. However, there is no reason events can't continue to create new reasons for tourists to visit us during the winter months.
Let’s look at some of the great success stories around the world.
CLOSE TO HOME - TASMANIA
Dark Mofo returns in 2025. It’s a time of winter feasts, a nude solstice swims at dawn, and light, art and music.
The ABC reports: “Dark Mofo last year attracted 45,000 interstate visitors, sold more than 100,000 tickets and brought in more than $5.5 million at the box office, and has been described by the Tasmanian Hospitality Association as a "game changer" for winter tourism.”
Photo credit: Rémi Chauvin, 2024. Image courtesy of Dark Mofo 2024.
COLD AND WINDY - VENICE CARNIVALE
Venice's Carnevale is world renowned. But February in Venice is one of the coldest months of the year. 9C is the average high and the average low is a bitter 1C.
It’s described as “always cold and windy” – but that doesn’t stop the parades and famous masquerade balls with incredible fashions and Venetian masks. Nor does it stop three million visitors attending.
NEW ORLEANS’ MARDI GRAS
One year it was so cold that mules refused to pull the famous parade floats! Visitors are advised to pack a raincoat and ear muffs. With 1.4 million visitors in two weeks, it “generates nearly $900 million of economic impact”, according to New Orleans Tourism.
REGIONAL REVELRY - BRAZIL
In Brazil, they actually celebrate the start of winter – for a month! And the focus is strongest in regional areas.
“With 1.4 million visitors in two weeks, it “generates nearly $900 million of economic impact” , according to New Orleans Tourism.”
“Festa Junina increases tourism, specially in the North East of Brazil that attracts people from all over the country during the celebration period.”
Imagine getting visitors passing through your town or city that equate to seven times the normal population –in 30 days.
“City officials expect more than 2.5 million visitors to pass through (Caruaru) this month, attracted by large paper mache figures, men on wooden stilts and the traditional mock wedding,” according to Rio Times.
According to Viva Brasi: “Festa Junina increases tourism, specially in the North East of Brazil that attracts people from all over the country during the celebration period. Tourists can provide the big cities with more than R$75 millions (AUD $20 million) spent in food, traditional events and activities.
“The size of the public in the festivals varies. School and churches can attract local communities and small publics, while larger festivals can reach up to one million people!”
SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL - UTAH
Held in January, Utah’s coldest month of the year. World famous. Runs for 10 days and attracts about 85,000 visitors – and headlines around the world.
BURN IT UP - VALENCIA, SPAIN
At the end of winter, Valencia in Spain stages Las Fallas over five days. It translates as “the fires and attracts more than 3 million visitors. Puppets are made and then set on fire, along with bullfights, parades and paella contests”.
ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES
Bentleys SA 8372 7900
Perks Accountants & Wealth Advisers
8273 9300
Winnall & Co. 8379 3159
ATMS
Banktech 0408 462 321
Cashzone 1300 305 600
Next Payments 1300 659 918
ARCHITECTS & INTERIOR
DESIGNERS
Studio Nine Architects 8132 3999
ART & FRAMING
Art Images Gallery 8363 0806
AUDIO VISUAL
Big Screen Video 1300 244 727
Novatech Creative Event Technology 8352 0300
BACKGROUND MUSIC
Foxtel Music 1300 148 729
Moov Music 1300 139 913
Zoo Business Media 07 5587 7222
BANKING & FINANCE
BankSA 0403 603 018
Perks Accountants & Wealth Advisers 8273 9300
BEVERAGE GASES
BOC Limited 0424 647 568
Supagas Adelaide 08 8480 4500
BEVERAGES
Accolade Wines 8392 2238
Australian Liquor Marketers 8405 7744
Carlton & United Breweries 13 BEER (13 2337)
Campari Group 02 9478 2727
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners 13Coke 132653
Coopers Brewery 8440 1800
CUB Premium Beverages 8416 7819
Diageo Australia 0401 120 872
Empire Liquor 8371 0088 Lion 8354 8888
Liquor Marketing Group 8416 7575
Oatley Fine Wine Merchants 1800 628 539
Options Craft Liquor Merchants 8346 9111
Pernod Ricard Australia 8208 2400
Samuel Smith & Son 8112 4200
Southtrade International 0410 449 720
Treasury Wine Estates 8301 5400
BOOKKEEPING
Perks Accountants & Wealth Advisers 8273 9300
Winnall & Co. 8379 3159
EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES/HARDWARE/ DESIGN
Bunnings Group 0435 630 660
Bunzl 088245 6222
Forward Solutions 0468 923 320
Mr Wet Wall 1800 938 925
Stoddart Food Service Equipment 1300 79 1954
CASH HANDLING/TERMINALS
Banktech 0408 462 321
BK Electronics 0431 509 409
Cardtronics 03 9574 4878
Coms Systems 0408 462 321
GBay/Aruze Gaming 0424 700 888
Next Payments 1300 659 918
CLEANING COMPANIES
A Cleaner World 0426 887 364
CLEANING & HYGIENE SUPPLIES
Bunnings Group 0435 630 660
Bunzl 08 8245 6222
DEFIBS
AED Authority 03 8710 8666
Alsco 8346 1391
St John 1300 78 5646
ENERGY & SOLAR SOLUTIONS
Class A Energy Solutions 8391 4853
PowerMaintenance 1300 700 500
Trans Tasman Energy 1300 118 834
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Perks Accountants & Wealth Advisers 8273 9300
Winnall & Co. 8379 3159
FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY
COMS Systems 1800 324 918
Vix Vision 0400 310 326
FOOD SERVICES
Bidfood 0427 099 558
Cookers 1300 88 22 99
Galipo Foods 8168 2000
PFD Foodservice 8114 2300
Thomas Foods 8162 8400
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Wirely 0421642409
FIRST AID
St John 1300 78 5646 FURNISHINGS
Concept Collections 1300 269 800
GAMING ANALYSIS
Independant Gaming Analysis 8376 6966
Winnall & Co 8379 3159
GAMING FLOAT RECONCILIATION
GBay/Aruze Gaming 0424 700 888
GFR Pro 0408 186 540
GAMING MACHINE SERVICES
Ainsworth Game Technology 0409 171 616
Aristocrat Technologies Australia 8273 9907
Coms Systems 0409 283 066
GBay/Aruze Gaming 0424 700 888
IGT 8231 8430
Independant Gaming Analysis 8376 6966
Konami Australia Pty Ltd 0409 047 899
Light & Wonder 0400 002 229
MAX 8275 9700
Statewide Gaming 0448 076 144
GAMING LOYALTY
Bluize 1300 557 587
GAMBLING SERVICES
SA Lotteries 13 18 68
HEALTH INSURANCE
Bupa 0417 608 751
HOTEL BROKERS
Langfords Hotel Brokers 0410 605 224
JLL 0407 710 389
McGees Property Hotel Brokers 8414 7800
HOTEL MANAGEMENT
H&L Australia Pty Ltd 1800 778 340
HOTEL MARKETING
Digital Marketing AOK 1300 658 543
INFORMATION SYSTEMS/SITE PREP
Max Systems 8275 9700
INSURANCE
Aon Risk Solutions 8301 1111
KITCHEN & BAR EQUIPMENT
Bunnings Group 0435 630 660
Bunzl 8245 6222
Cookers 1300 88 22 99
Stoddart Food Service Equipment
1300 79 1954
LEGAL SERVICES
Eckermann Lawyers 8235 3990
Piper Aderman Lawyers 8205 3318
Ryan & Co Solicitors 0421595815
Wallmans Lawyers 8235 3018
LINEN & UNIFORM SERVICES
Alsco 1300 659 892
The Banner Crew 8240 0242
MEDIA
FIVEAA 8419 1395
Foxtel 1300 138 898
Solstice Media 8224 1600
MIGRATION
Migration Solutions 8210 9800
ONHOLD/MESSAGING
1800 ON HOLD 8125 9370
PAYROLL & HR RESOURCES
Perks Accountants & Wealth Advisers 8273 9300
Tanda 1300 859 117
Winnall & Co. 8379 3159
POS SYSTEMS
Bepoz 1300 023 769
Bluize 1300 557 587
H&L Australia Pty Ltd 1800 778 340
PROPERTY & VALUATIONS
JLL 0407 710 389
Knight Frank Valuations & Advisory 8233 5222
RETAIL LIQUOR MARKETING
Liquor Marketing Group 8416 7575
SIGNAGE & PROMOTIONAL ITEMS
The Banner Crew 8240 0242
SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA
Foxtel 1300 790 182
STAFF TRAINING & RECRUITMENT
Adelaide Institute of Hospitality 8338 1492
Alliance College 1300 665 065
Perks Accountants & Wealth Advisers
8273 9300
St John 1300 78 5646
SUPERANNUATION
HostPlus 0418 327 607
WEBSITES
Boylen 8233 9433
GAMING CARE
GAMING CARE works with all South Australian Hotels with gaming machines to reduce the harm caused by problem gambling.
Providing the hotel industry with the capacity to respond to community concerns related to the harm associated with gambling by contributing to early intervention and support for problem gamblers and their families.
Minimising the harm caused by problem gambling behaviour by fostering a compliant and proactive industry that works with regulators, gambling help services and gaming patrons to minimise harm caused by gambling.
Assisting licensees and hotel staff with their compliance obligations, and supporting venue staff through education and training regarding the recognition of problem gambling indicators and assisting in accurately documenting patron behaviour.
Providing licensees and hotel staff with the confidence and skills required to engage directly with patrons who are showing indicators of potential problem gambling, enabling them to intervene early and refer the patron to a gambling help service, or other support options if required.
Contact your local Gaming Care Officer, or our Office, for information on how Gaming Care can assist your venue.
For any assistance or support please contact your local Gaming Care Officer, or our office for information on how Gaming Care can assist your venue.
CORPORATE PARTNERS 2024/25
GAMING CARE
Ainsworth Game Technology
Australian Liquor Marketers
Pty Ltd
BankSA
Big Screen Video
Bluize
Boylen
Campari Group
Digital Marketing AOK
Empire Liquor
Foxtel
IGT Australia
Konami Australia Pty Ltd
Light & Wonder
Liquor Marketing Group
Novatech Creative Event Technology
Oatley Fine Wine Merchants
Samuel Smith & Son
Stoddart Food Equipment
Tanda
1800 ON HOLD
Adelaide Institute of Hospitality
AED Authority
Alliance College
Alsco
Banktech
Bentleys SA
BK Electronics
BOC Limited
Bunnings Group
Bunzl
Class A Energy Solutions
COMS Systems
Concept Collections
Cookers
Eckermann Lawyers
GBay/Aruze Gaming
Independant Gaming Analysis
JLL
Knight Frank Valuations & Advisory SA
Langford’s Hotel Brokers
McGees Property Hotel Brokers
Mr Wet Wall
Next Payments
Options Craft Liquor Merchants
Piper Alderman
Perks Accountants & Wealth
Advisers
PowerMaintenance
Ryan & Co Solicitors
Solstice Media
Art Images Gallery
BUPA
Forward Creations
Statewide Gaming
St John
Studio Nine
Supagas
The Banner Crew
Trans Tasman Energy Group
Vix Vision
Wallmans Lawyers
Winnall & Co
Wirely
Migration Solutions
Southtrade International
OFFICE
Level 4, 60 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide SA 5000 POSTAL
PO Box 3092, Rundle Mall SA 5000
P (08) 8232 4525
P 1800 814 525 Toll Free
F (08) 8232 4979
E information@ahasa.asn.au
W www.ahasa.asn.au
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
DAVID BASHEER President MATTHEW BINNS Vice President
LUKE DONALDSON Deputy Vice President
COUNCIL
ANDREW BULLOCK
DANIEL CASSIN
SIMONE DOUGLAS
JASON FAHEY
TRENT FAHEY
COREY FARMER
SAM M c INNES Secretary Treasurer
MATTHEW BRIEN Executive Council
MATT ROGERS Executive Council
ELISE FASSINA
JAMES FRANZON
TONY FRANZON
JOHN GIANNITTO
TOM HANNAH
PETER JOHNSON
ANNA HURLEY Executive Council
ANDREW KEMP Executive Council
GUY MATTHEWS
KAREN MILESI
ANDREW PLUSH
ROB RANKINE
MARGY RAYMOND
DARREN STEELE
Views expressed in Hotel SA are not necessarily those of the AHA|SA or the publisher and neither can accept, and therefore disclaims any liability, to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. We do not endorse any advertising materials, services offered within advertisements or products, special offers or goods promoted therein.
STEVENSON Manager Policy & Industry Affairs
SARAH LEGOE Senior Advisor - Workplace Relations, Liquor Licensing & Gaming CONTACT
GARY COPPOLA Legal and Advocacy
DIDIER VOLLERIN Liquor Licensing & Gaming Advisor
SCOTT VAUGHAN Membership & Business Services
LUCY RANDALL Events & Partnerships
LIZ TURLEY Training Coordinator
JOSH BEVAN
Digital Content Manager
BELINDA RICHARD Executive Assistant
3/288 Glen Osmond Road, Fullarton SA 5063
P (08) 8233 9433 W www.boylen.com.au
TIM BOYLEN Managing Director tboylen@boylen.com.au
JAMIE RICHARDSON Advertising sales@boylen.com.au
