Tourism Accommodation Australia CEO and interim CEO of the Accommodation Association, Michael Johnson has raised a number of pressing issues affecting the accommodation sector in pre-Budget talks with Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
Johnson, who has been appointed to lead a united industry body, Accommodation Australia when it launches in the coming months, met with the Treasurer and other business leaders at Sydney’s Park Hyatt on Thursday to talk next steps in the accommodation industry recovery.
Johnson said it was a valuable opportunity to discuss the important issues.
“Our industry is only just now starting to get back on its feet after the devastation of COVID – from the ever-present staffing shortages to spiralling energy costs, the price of goods and interest rate rises,” Johnson said.
“We are not out of the woods yet by any means and it was great to have the chance to raise these issues one-on-one with the Treasurer and get such a good hearing.
“Mr Chalmers has an impressive knowledge of the problems facing hospitality and accommodation and I thanked him for the opportunity to have a direct talk to him on issues concerning members in the lead up to the Budget.”
Both associations had raised a number of issues in a pre-Budget submission to the Federal Government including expedited visa applications for workers, expanded working hours for international students in the hospitality sector, and an extension of the temporary hotel and accommodation labour agreement.