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.

But that is just the beginning, between now and the election I will outline more policies to support a stronger hotel industry.

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?

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.

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.

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.

One thing we have learned over the past two years is that a strong health system is intrinsically linked to a strong economy.

One of the reasons our local hotels have been burdened with strict COVID-19 restrictions – often stricter than other states – is because our hospital system has been unable to cope.

Government cuts and the ramping crisis have left us horribly exposed, which has been exacerbated post the opening of the borders.

That is why I will make the significant investments necessary to ensure we have a stronger health system which is better able to cope with future health challenges.

Q: Small and medium hotel businesses have a huge amount of red tape, regulation and costs. What are your initiatives and policies to support small business including those in regional areas?

A: I have made a clear promise that a Malinauskas Labor Government will not introduce any new taxes if elected at the March 2022 State Election.

Unlike the Marshall Liberal Government, there will be no surprise changes to tax policy after the election – no increases to state taxes and a restoration of the established Treasury formula for fees and charges.

Many will remember in the Marshall Liberal Government’s second budget it announced more than half a billion dollars’ worth of hikes to fees and charges, including many which hit the hotel industry. And who could forget the land tax debacle? All this from a government which promised lower costs.

Steven Marshall said one thing before the election and then did the opposite after the election.

My pledge is clear, under a Labor Government under my leadership, there will be no new taxes and no surprise changes to tax policy.

Q: It has become increasingly difficult for our members to find hospitality staff. This has been even further exacerbated by closed borders. What are your plans to address the skills shortages in SA?

A: I have heard loud and clear the calls from your industry and others about our state’s skills crisis.

That is why I have developed and released a comprehensive education policy which is all about improving the quality of our schools, but also the pathways out of school and into employment.

A central feature is my plan to build five new technical colleges - three in metropolitan Adelaide and two in regional South Australia.

These technical colleges will be brand new buildings with the latest equipment and state-of-the-art technology, run in conjunction with nearby high schools to allow year 10-12 students to successfully complete their SACE while getting trade qualifications.

They will also facilitate links with local businesses, connecting students to apprenticeships and traineeships.

Q: What is your vision for South Australia considering COVID-19 may be with us in one form or another going forward?

A: The COVID-19 pandemic presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a better South Australia.

But it won’t just happen. We must seize this moment.

I am determined that the suite of policies I take to the people of South Australia in March are not just for the next election but for the next generation.

The coming years will present challenges, but they also present opportunities the likes of which we haven’t seen since World War II.

I look forward to detailing my policy vision for our state ahead of the election - a vision for the future.

A vision for the future of jobs, health, education and the environment.

In 30 years' time, I hope our children can say this generation saw the moment and seized the moment.

Let’s make the legacy of COVID-19 a more secure and prosperous future.