Federal budget “fails the pub test” as financial support nixed for marketing spend leaves aviation and hospo behind
Besides causing most Aussies to frantically Google whether they’re eligible for the cash payments splattered across headlines this morning, last night’s unveiling of the federal budget has some hefty implications for tourism.
As Minister for Tourism Dan Tehan was quick to point out, there’s $146.5 million earmarked in the 2022-23 budget for tourism.
However, this figure includes the already announced $75.5 million in support for agents and tour providers and the $60 million put aside for marketing aimed at bringing back international tourists.
The rest will be spent on $6.8 worth of funding for the government’s THRIVE 2030 long-term strategy for tourism recovery, including $2 million for a visitor economy online employment and skills platform and $4.8 million for Tourism Research Australia.
The government also plans to boost the number of Working Holiday Makers through a one-off 30 per cent increase across all country caps in 2022-23 to help retail, hospitality, tourism and hotel operators tackle workforce shortages.
Aviation appears to have lost out, though, as pointed out by Robyn Ironside in the Cairns Post, with a range of support programs scheduled to come to an end as well as aviation’s noticeable exclusion from fuel cost relief as oil prices continue to soar.
The government also failed to include a national plan for aviation, which the Transport Worker’s Union (TWU) said will slow recovery for the industry.
The union said the absense of new funding left the industry exposed to external shocks like covid variants, exorbitant fuel costs, natural disasters and international unrest.
TWU National Assistant Secretary Nick McIntosh said Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been MIA for the past two years as aviation was thrown into a tailspin.
“He’s doled out corporate welfare so his mates can bank outrageous executive bonuses at the same time he deliberately excluded ground crew from targeted aviation support,” McIntosh said.
“Aviation families flicking through the Budget Papers would be disappointed but not surprised: yet again, the Prime Minister’s refused to commit meaningful funding to support aviation’s rebuild.
“The Federal Budget provides no blueprint to shore up aviation’s long-term future, particularly as we stare down future variants and international tension. It’s yet another reminder that Scott Morrison is no friend of aviation workers.”
The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) has also signalled its disapproval, reporting the budget “fails the pub test”.
AHA pointed out the government also ignored calls for a cut in beer excise, meaning Aussies will continue to pay the fourth highest draught beer taxes in the world.
AHA National CEO Stephen Ferguson said the Association’s 5000 members, 250,000 workers and millions of patrons would feel let down.
“The way we are going draught beer poured at a pub is becoming a luxury item,” Ferguson said.
“A hidden beer tax doesn’t pass the pub test and it was great so many backbenchers agreed with us.”
More than 20 backbenchers supported the move to cut the tax by 50 per cent.
The business travel sector appears to be a winner though, according to Tom Walley, Flight Centre’s corporate travel boss.
Walley said the budget’s $5.6 million investment into a dedicated small business unit in the Fair Work Commission will provide tailored support to small businesses and reduce time, cost, and stress.
The Government is also providing $8 million to the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman to work with service providers to offer business planning, capacity building and financial literacy.
“SMEs are the backbone of the Australian economy and there’s no doubt this sector will play a vital role in leading this country’s economic fightback going forward,” Walley said.
“We’ve been the biggest supporters of SMEs for more than 25 years and we’re proud to be able to facilitate travel for those who want to get back to face-to-face – the chocks are off and we can fully focus on returning to a form of normalcy now the fear of lockdowns and restrictions have subsided.”
Image: Facebook/JoshFrydenbergMP
Latest News
TravelManagers explore luxury trends at Signature Travel Network Global Conference
Representatives from TravelManagers Australia have concluded four days of collaboration, learning and networking with luxury travel brands at Signature Travel Network’s 2024 Annual Conference, which took place in Las Vegas. The annual event, which brings together members of Signature’s luxury travel advisor network, partners, travel media and experts, centred this year on “Leveraging the Signature […]
Refurbed Adelaide Qantas Club opens doors to upgraded features
Qantas opened the doors to its upgraded Adelaide Qantas Club today, just in time for the busy holiday period to provide customers travelling through the city of churches with an improved experience. The contemporary space has been designed to celebrate the beauty of the South Australian landscape and features customised furniture by local designers Agostino […]
Booking.com reports 900% increase in travel scams
Eek. Starting to have alarm bells ring off in our heads over that $250 round-trip we just booked to 'Barli'.
PONANT opens Kimberley 2026 season with early-bird savings
PONANT has officially launched its 2026 Kimberley season, with travellers able to choose from 16 departures aboard luxury small expedition vessels Le Soléal or Le Jacques Cartier, with up to 30 per cent savings for early-bird bookings. Guests will experience spectacular waterfalls, ancient First Nation rock art and cultures, breathtaking whale-watching, and thrilling mangrove Zodiac […]
Flight Centre shares rally following AGM
If you really want to know how the travel sector is doing, the stock market is a good barometer.
Tour Guides Australia ramps up training for new additions to jobs shortage List
If you are offered a guided tour, it's usually a bonus knowing the guide knows what they are talking about.
Qantas Engineering looks to invest in local labor while reversing offshore maintenance
As long as our plane is fixed and maintained BEFORE we fly, is our greatest concern.
REVIEW: A day at Disneyland Resort in California – our magical adventure
When it comes to theme parks, Disneyland takes top spot, even if we did campaign heavily for Sydney's Luna Park.
Envoyage hosts 50 advisors in the Maldives for Icons 2024
We think that this is a really important event and that Travel Weekly journos need to be on the ground to cover it.
Ovation of the Seas hosts Jamie Oliver at inaugural Australian Food Hero Awards
Can this man do no wrong? Except those 30-minute meals which usually take us an hour-plus.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel and carbon footprint reduction key focus at Association of Asia Pacific Airlines conference
This much aviation speak may put many to sleep, but for us, it has us reaching for the popcorn.
Tauck announces slew of new itineraries at a private lunch in Sydney
A family business that has been around for 100 years is a hard thing to come by in travel these days!
WATCH: Travel Weekly gets a behind-the-scenes look at The Room Residence ahead of tomorrow’s opening
Avid user of the Room-Res platform? Next time you're in Sydney you'd be mad if you don't stop in and say Gday.
Luxury Travel Collection breaks new ground with Affiliate Membership
Accessing the best of the best in luxury travel seems to be quite an attractive proposition.
Beverly Hills hosts Rodeo Drive holiday lighting celebration
We hope the bright lights will detract from the high price tags of shiny goods along this famous shopping drive.
Luxury Escapes announces new Signature Series foodie tour across Malaysia
The elastic-waisted pants will be packed for this particular trip. Or buy a pair there.
ETC Cluster: Great Journeys New Zealand & TruTravels
Agents are invited to join Evolution Travel Collective for their next cluster update with the latest news from Great Journeys New Zealand & TruTravels. Michelle Daniels introduces the new Great Journeys New Zealand Scenic Plus product as well as a range of new tours & packages available on the beautiful railways of New Zealand. With […]
Hockey Australia extends partnership with SportsLink Travel
We think that it is really great that SportsLink Travel is choosing to 'stick' with Hockey Australia.
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority encourages travellers to make advanced plans for a safer and enjoyable summer
You also need to be aware of rubber-neckers paying attention to the views, not the road ahead.
Hotel and hospitality venues reminded to help keep schoolies safe
Dodgy IDs aside, where there is a will there is usually a way with teens.
Spectacular Philippines Christmas festival returns to Darling Harbour
Beware giving the littlies a whole serving of halo halo, that purple haze will hit them eventually.
Celestyal “doubles down” with new fare structure, digital wallet and adding 47 cabins to Discovery
With strong Aussie bookings and our preference for back-to-back cruises, expect a big local push from Celestyal.
CLIA shares new 2023 Global Cruise Industry Economic Impact Study
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has shared the highlights from the association’s new 2023 Global Economic Impact Study at the annual CLIA Cruise Forward conference. The study revealed the highest-ever global economic impact from cruise tourism and reaffirmed that 2023 surpassed 2019 as the benchmark year for cruise industry performance. It also confirmed the cruise […]
Air Tahiti Nui announces new and exclusive flight deals
There are plenty of Easter getaway opportunities available with this round of offers.
London Transport Commissioner takes an insider look at Sydney Metro
London’s Commissioner of Transport, Andy Lord, has toured the new Sydney Metro yesterday, hosted by the Tourism & Transport Forum. “We’re beyond delighted to welcome Commissioner Andy Lord to the fabulous city of Sydney,” TTF CEO Margy Osmond said. “As a long-standing representative of transport, and now the most senior transport official in London, Andy […]
Fireworks as Brisbane celebrates official opening ceremony for Bluey’s World
Fans of the blue cartoon dog appreciated the fireworks display, but real dogs had to be locked away.
Remarkable wins at prestigious 2024 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards
Flying high at the Brolgas in Alice. Some shelf space will now be required for this well-deserved glassware.
Albatross guarantees all spring, summer and autumn 2025 departures
That's a healthy move saying you are 100 per cent certain you'll get the bookings you need. Get ready to fly.
Fremantle hosts the ultimate weekend party with BeerFest Australia
Ok, so its combining beer and yoga! Purists may have something to say about that, but embrace it, we say.
Australian tourism industry comes together for Tourism Australia-led industry initiative
Did you also look through that video and go: 'I know that face, and that one', 'Oh there's so and so'. We did!
Helloworld, VIVA Holidays and Tourism WA team up for bumper Dream Sale campaign
Keeping the momentum going after having just hosted the World Travel & Tourism Conference. So hot right now.
Three days at The Farm, San Benito: Rediscovering wellness and transformation Filipino Style
If you're planning on letting yourself go over the upcoming silly season, this might be a good idea to begin 2025.
You have just 3 days left to buy your earlybird tickets for the 2024 Women in Travel Awards
Apart from who is coming - are you? - one of the more important conversations around here is what to wear.
Liquid & Larder opens at The EVE Hotel Sydney
So many new bars and new dishes to try and so little time. This summer calls for a Sydney staycation
‘I’ve loved it!’ Club Med’s first Home Based Agent conference a winner across the park
A great week in Bali with Club Med. All we can say is we are looking forward to the next one!
Scoot announces new destinations with services commencing from December 2024
We've been talking destination duplication for an age now, and here is a cheap way to try a new tropical paradise.