From the General Manager

The Year That Was

IAN HORNE – AHA | SA GENERAL MANAGER

WATCH VIDEO: https://youtu.be/j2n1jIob640

2022 was another busy and challenging year for SA’s hotel industry. As we move into a postCOVID era, we have also seen the election of new State and Federal Governments and, of course, the AHA|SA continues to represent and advocate for our members on a huge range of issues. However, some highlights are worth mentioning.

COVID-19

2022 began under the same cloud of restrictions as the two years before it. With borders finally open, but an increase in COVID-19 infections throughout the state, the previous government imposed severe restrictions on Boxing Day 2021. This meant that the hotel industry began 2022 with seated consumption only, at 25% capacity indoors, 50% outdoors, no standup private functions, no singing or dancing, and masks at all times. This was a devastating blow to the industry during our peak trading period, for the second year in a row.

The AHA|SA made urgent and continual representations to government and SAPOL throughout this time and, on 12 March, all density restrictions were finally removed.

It wasn’t until 24 May 2022, after the election of the new government, that the Emergency Declaration was finally ended in South Australia. As of 14 October 2022, isolation as a result of a COVID-19 infection is no longer required, bringing at long-last an end to the severe regime of COVID-19 restrictions.

ACCOMMODATION AND TOURISM

Despite a challenging start, 2022 has seen a strong recovery in the visitor economy as the year has progressed. With 487 rooms opened in 2021 and a further 737 rooms in construction, it is vital that these new rooms are filled. Conferences, events and major sporting attractions are crucial in stimulating the visitor economy, and the AHA|SA are very heartened to see the strong schedule ahead with VALO 500, the Tour Down Under, the AFL Magic Round and LIV Golf.

The merger between the AHA and AAoA has been progressing steadily throughout 2022, with the finalisation of this merger expected to be completed by mid-2023. This merger recognises that all types of hotels have mutual interest and would benefit from acting as one voice.

GAMING

Following the implementation of the Government’s gambling reform package, the AHA|SA has continued to work closely with CBS and gambling help services in relation to ongoing opportunities for reform.

The AHA|SA plays an important role as a member of the Gambling Advisory Council (GAC), representing the voice of industry on matters relating to responsible gambling and harm-minimisation practices. The AHA|SA provided significant input into various reviews including: CBS’s review of the Approved Trading System for gaming machine entitlements; a review of the Gaming Machines Gambling Code of Practice; and a review undertaken by CBS to assess the effectiveness of the current gaming training and gambling industry staff training requirements.

The AHA|SA continues to work closely with our national and interstate counterparts on reviews and proposals for changes occurring in those jurisdictions which have the potential to impact us here in South Australia if not appropriately monitored and managed.

SKILLS SHORTAGE

Without doubt, the biggest challenge for the industry in 2023 and beyond is the acute labour shortage that is placing substantial constraints on our post-covid recovery. A staggering 73% of respondents to a recent AHA|SA survey confirmed they were short staffed, with many operators forced to reduce trading hours and services, and cap available rooms due to lack of staff.

The AHA continues to lobby strongly for members on this critical matter at both Federal and State level. The AHA|SA’s priorities in this space include: increasing the cap on skilled and unskilled migration, increasing opportunities for mature aged Australians to work without affecting their pension, reviewing our cooking apprenticeship system to better suit modern society, and reversing the historic mindset that VET and semiskilled courses are the poor cousin to university qualifications.

A State Government awareness campaign is central to this. Our industry was sacrificed for the purposes of public health during COVID-19 and as a direct consequence we lost the majority of our staff. In return the health of the hospitality industry must now be a priority.

MEMBERSHIP 2023 – AN ESSENTIAL PART OF DOING BUSINESS

The AHA|SA can only achieve what is does by being well resourced through its strong and loyal membership base. I personally thank you for your ongoing support for us in advocating for your businesses. The AHA|SA is made up of a team of professionals who can assist you with many aspects of your business. Whether you need to make a licensing application, require advice or representation with a workplace issue, or need guidance navigating the many post COVID-19 challenges, the team at the AHA|SA can assist.

Have an enjoyable and prosperous summer that we hope will make COVID-19 a distant memory and we look forward to a very buoyant and exciting 2023. Cheers.

GAMING CARE UPDATE

WATCH VIDEO: https://youtu.be/uRmipJRhZ7I

In this video, AHA|SA Deputy General Manager Anna Moeller provides an update on Gaming Care, including:

• The best process to deal with unredeemed tickets (and what not to do)

• Tips on BOEN compliance and how it affects your risk assessment

• CRTs after 2am

• Major review of gaming training and a change that will benefit venues during this period of staff shortages.