Tourism generates 1,035,000 jobs across Australia and supports many local businesses and towns. Tourism has been among the hardest hit by the impact of COVID-19. International, interstate and regional travel restrictions have devastated those regions, businesses and jobs which rely on tourism. Many sustainable businesses and jobs will be permanently lost unless they are supported through this period.
We call on the Australian Government to extend the JobKeeper program for at least six months and until the international borders can be safely reopened to visitors. JobKeeper should be extended to reach seasonal tourism businesses and workers that were not covered by the initial program. JobKeeper should be extended for all businesses and jobs that rely on tourism dollars ranging from speciality retailers and wineries, through to events, attractions, hospitality, tour operators, visitor centres, accommodation, aviation and passenger transport.
