Annual Wage Review 2024-25

The AHA|SA’s 154th Annual General Meeting was both a celebration of recent achievements and a candid outline of the pressing issues facing the hotel sector.

The event was attended by senior politicians, government advisors, industry partners and members. Held at member venue, the Adelaide Oval, it provided a comprehensive overview of the year’s successes and challenges.

The following is taken from AHA|SA President, David Basheer’s, speech on the day.

Strong Finances

A financial surplus of $734,410. This outcome was described as "truly a full team effort", highlighting the work of Secretary/Treasurer Sam McInnes, CEO Anna Moeller and the AHA|SA staff. 2024 also marked the fifth consecutive year of record membership.

Accommodation Advocacy

A standout achievement was the successful merger with the Accommodation Association. Katherine Taylor, the outgoing Tourism and Accommodation Manager, was praised as a "key figure in our national merger," ensuring that SA’s integration was the smoothest in the nation. Accommodation membership has grown considerably.

Major Events

Major events were cited as “the bedrock of our industry” and increasingly vital to the hotel economy. The President expressed gratitude to the Premier, Peter Malinauskas, for his personal efforts in this regard.

Key Issues And Challenges

Crime

A central concern was the escalation of crime and antisocial behaviour that is impacting hotels. Pointing to "generations of policy failure”, the AHA|SA is calling for:

• Tougher penalties for repeat offenders

• Enhanced security measures

• Greater support for hotels and staff.

See President’s Report in this issue for more details.

Labour Shortages and Migration Policy

Labour shortages remain a significant challenge, especially with anticipated reductions in migration numbers. The President questioned "who is going to fill our jobs for chefs, restaurant managers, housekeepers - the list goes on" and expressed concern about cuts to working holiday maker visas.

He also pointed to public sector employment conditions that are excessively ‘generous’, making it almost impossible for private sector companies to match.

"Tax payer funds can not be used by the bureaucracy to solve their labour shortage problems at the expense of … small and family and business owners."

Regulatory and Economic Pressures

The AHA|SA has developed submissions on several key issues, including:

• payroll tax reform

• skills and training

• red tape reduction

• energy and insurance costs

• licensing issues

• winter tourism

• crime.

The need for real action and government support, including in areas such as security upgrades to prevent crime, citing the interstate example where financial assistance has been provided.

Strength In Unity

The 154th AGM concluded on a note of optimism and gratitude.

"Our strength stems from the ongoing support and commitment from the people in this room,” said David.

“I thank each and every one of you for the role you continue to play in our Industry – an industry that will always be the heartbeat of its local community and a key driver for this State’s economy."