Q&A with Peter Malinauskas LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
Q: The hotel industry provides employment for more than 26,000 people and provides enormous benefits to the SA economy, other businesses and of course tax.. we have also been one of the hardest industry’s hit by COVID-19 restrictions. Can you outline what your party’s vision is for the hotel industry in SA and how that might be achieved? A: I strongly believe our state’s hotels play a vital role not just in our economy but in our local communities. There is no question the hotel industry has been one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hotels, their owners, managers and staff have made enormous sacrifices to help stop the spread of COVID-19. I thank each and every one of you. Unfortunately, I believe your sacrifices have not been adequately recognised or respected by the Marshall Liberal Government. I believe the hotel industry will play a vital role in our state’s economic recovery - whether it kickstarting domestic and international tourism
or kickstarting our CBD. But I don’t believe you should be left on your own – government has a vital role to play. My vision is for a revitalised hotel industry which emerges from COVID-19 stronger than it was before. That means bringing back the big events that inject millions into the tourism and hospitality sector, which is why I have announced I will bring back the Adelaide 500 Supercars race, which was scrapped by the Marshall Liberal Government. And it means keeping your costs as low as possible, which is why I have pledged there will be no new taxes under a Malinauskas Labor Government, and no surprise changes to tax policy.
A: My view about COVID-19 restrictions is clear: the government should do everything it can to ensure restrictions placed on business are as minimal as possible while maintaining public health. But, in circumstances where the government must place restrictions on business in the interests of public health, then the government has a responsibility to provide adequate financial support. The Marshall Liberal Government has often been too slow and too miserly when it comes to financial support.
But that is just the beginning, between now and the election I will outline more policies to support a stronger hotel industry.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I have put constructive ideas on the table to support our hotel industry, whether it be direct financial support, waiving of various fees, charges and taxes or tourism voucher schemes.
Q: Hotels are a huge part of the tourism industry in SA, including food and wine and accommodation. What are your plans and policies for restoring and growing tourism in SA both post COVID-19 and if necessary, living with COVID-19 longer term?
Some of my ideas have been taken up by the government while others have not. Rest assured, if I am elected Premier in March, you will not be left on your own and I will outline a suite of policies to assist in the COVID-19 recovery so you can thrive into the future.
12 | Hotel SA | W W W . A H A S A . A S N . A U
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