3 minute read
Genuine Reforms Deserve Our Genuine Thanks
by Boylen
From the CEO
ANNA MOELLER
It can be easy to criticise government for inaction on reform when we feel it is warranted, so when positive steps are taken to address our concerns it's important we acknowledge it.
In this instance, I want to highlight the work done by the Hon Andrea Michaels MP, (pictured below) who is the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, which includes licensing and gaming. She is also the Minister for Small and Family Business, and for the Arts which encompasses festivals and live music.
It is evident that the Minister comes from a small business background. It gives her a strong understanding that pubs are generally family-run, small and medium businesses.
She is deeply aware of the issues we face. And she is genuinely committed to making things better.
The AHA|SA team has been working closely with Minister Michaels and her team on cutting red tape (publicised previously) and we hope to be able to announce further progress in the near future.
In addition, consultation around liquor licensing reform has been genuine and extensive. The Minister’s transparency and willingness to collaborate with industry have been encouraging.
We respect the fact that she is attempting to strike the right balance between regulation, harm minimisation and business success.
In thanking Minister Michaels, I would also like to include her staff, who have been willing to listen to our position on many issues, even when we are delivering criticism in no uncertain (but hopefully constructive) terms.
GATHER ROUND
The more you do something, the better it gets - and that’s exactly what we have witnessed with Gather Round and LIV Golf. Last year broke records - but this year smashed those records.
For LIV Golf, occupancy rates jumped around 10 points on the key nights of Thursday, Friday and Saturday. But what stood out was the early part of the week. Monday up 29 points, Tuesday rose by 30 and Wednesday was up 19 points, according to data provided by CoStar.
Even Sunday night saw a lift.
Aligning these events with the Victorian school holidays was the right move. It encouraged people to drive to SA, taking the time to enjoy country SA. That’s a win for our regions, not just for occupancy but food and beverage spend too.
Interstate visitation was up around 33%. That means two things: crowds are coming back - and they’re telling others. We know that when people stay Monday to Wednesday, they aren’t here for the footy alone. They’re exploring the city, the regions, dining out and shopping.
It always starts with a bed night. Once you get a visitor into a bed, they need somewhere to eat, drink and entertain themselves. It’s great for our industry, but also for retail and the broader economy.
Importantly, this is outside money coming into the State, not just SA money recirculating. So the case for
retaining these events is not just about football or golf. They are important economic drivers.
When events like Gather Round and LIV Golf inject substantial funds into our economy, it gives the government the capacity to do things like support communities doing it tough – such as those hit by drought.
And just as importantly, the visitor experience and the incredible images broadcast globally sends a clear message that SA is open for business… and thriving.
Long may it continue!
