More support for our hospitality industry

12 November 2020

Sarah Courtney MP

2020-21 Budget: More support for our hospitality industry

The 2020-21 State Budget is set to create jobs, provide confidence and invest in our community to rebuild a stronger Tasmania.

We recognise the ongoing impact of public health restrictions on our hospitality sector which is why we will continue to provide support for this important industry, which employs tens of thousands of Tasmanians across the State.

We have allocated $10 million in additional funding for hospitality businesses in the Budget by providing a reimbursement up to a capped amount against their energy bills – electricity and gas – for the first quarter of this financial year.

Support will be provided to pubs, bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants which have eat-in dining or drinking, with turnover of above $50,000. It will be targeted towards those most in need who have had a significant decline in turnover.

To further assist the industry as we recover, we will also waive the annual liquor licensing fees for 2021, relieving the hospitality industry of around $1 million in costs.

This new support for the hospitality industry is in addition to $1 million over two years included in the Budget to support the establishment of a new not-for-profit industry Registered Training Organisation (RTO), which spans both the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Led by industry, the RTO will help to build specific skills that will meet the demand of emerging markets, create new pathways and improve access and employment opportunities for Tasmanians living in regional areas.

The addition of the new RTO will complement private training providers and TasTAFE’s Drysdale.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the Tasmanian Hospitality Association for their ongoing work and strong advocacy for their members throughout the pandemic.