From the President

DAVID BASHEER – AHA|SA PRESIDENT

Horne and Moeller: Hospitality Heroes

The AHA|SA is extremely grateful to Premier Steven Marshall, the Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and the Transition Committee for the further easing of restrictions.

With festivals and footy breaking down the barriers, combined with tighter controls introduced over medi-hotels, it was the time to move our hospitality economy forward. And we are very grateful the Transition Committee saw it that way.

It is only right that I take this moment to acknowledge the incredible work done by Ian Horne and Anna Moeller that has allowed this critical breakthrough.

AHA|SA’s Ian Horne and Anna Moeller.

We have learnt over the past 12 months that change does not come quickly, nor without compelling arguments. The relative safety of SA has reflected the cautious health approach. With that in mind, Ian and Anna began the campaign for a 75% density level and dancing within venues on the 4th of December with the Peel Street “protest” - soon after the infamous Parafield lockdown.

Knowing every day stalled is lost income and a lost opportunity, in the new year their efforts were significantly ramped up, including fortnightly meetings with both SAPOL and Health. Critically, their persuasive efforts were supported by well researched fact-based documentation. They worked seven-day weeks, tirelessly lobbying on our behalf.

In the end, their argument proved compelling. Combine this with the high degree of venue compliance – as noted by the Premier - and a general mood shift amongst the community, and we are pleased to be able to progressively restore more jobs and business activity whilst still operating in a Covid-Safe environment.

GREAT URGENCY REQUIRED ON VACCINES

The initial roll out of vaccines has been painfully slow.

Public leaders have dismissed this, saying we must be cautious and careful. The messaging has been that Australia is fortunate not to have the widespread health crisis suffered by others, so there is no need to rush.

Those whose livelihoods are threatened by restrictions, particularly around international travel, see it differently.

Australia can be justifiably proud that we have handled the health crisis far better than the US or UK. Yet now we see that the USA has celebrated 100M people vaccinated (more by the time you read this).

In the UK, where Covid-19 was rampant, deaths are now at the lowest level since last September and continue to fall. Our British friends have managed to vaccinate 27 million people - equivalent to every man, woman and child in Australia.

In addition to that, the UK has something we have craved here and repeatedly called for—a clear road map out of restrictions to get back full trading

The UK has created an accountability that can be measured.

The vaccine rollout cannot be seen purely as a health issue… it is an economic issue of the highest order. It needs to be viewed in the context that JobKeeper has now ended, yet many businesses are still suffering and SA’s high unemployment is likely to get worse as JobKeeper wage assistance is removed.

5AA’s breakfast announcer Will Goodings absolutely nailed it recently when he noted the elimination of the virus in the community and stated “the vaccine is a restrictions killer”.

For many with a ‘dog in the fight’, our strongest message to those comfortable with the pace of the rollout is that people’s jobs and livelihoods hinge on the results you achieve.

Every day we read reports of GPs saying they only have enough vaccine to supply one-tenth of their patients who are eligible and asking for it.

The promise that all Australians will have at least their first jab by October is concerning. It sets the bar far too low. Other countries have achieved far faster rollouts.

Both Federal and State Governments need to approach this with greater urgency and demonstrate an empathy for business that has too often been missing. Our staff depend on it to pay for the essentials in life: rent, mortgages, food and health.

A SOLUTION POST-JOBKEEPER

The Federal Government’s response to the end of JobKeeper saw the introduction of discounted airfares to selected venues around Australia.

With the initial announcement only including KI in SA, the AHA’s reaction was less than enthusiastic.

Later, Adelaide was introduced, which greatly increased our State’s reach and helped those most in need, which is the CBD and surrounding accommodation venues.

However, whenever governments introduce policies that pick winners, it leaves others behind. So what about the destinations all around the State that are ideal for a driving holiday? There is a risk this initiative will hurt them as tourists choose subsidised locations at their expense.

There needs to be a better way to benefit all under-pressure businesses.

The AHA is advocating to the Federal Government that any business negatively effected by public health orders that has lost more than 30% of its gross revenue over four consecutive quarters, should get direct payroll assistance. This should be directly linked to the number of staff the business continues to employ.

CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP

I have repeatedly stated our members’ appreciation for the support our corporate partners have provided over the past 12 months.

Last year, CUB launched the ‘Love Your Local’ campaign to supply closed venues with much-needed cashflow during the shutdown.

To commemorate the 12-month shutdown, Lion launched ‘National Local Day’.

These are two great initiatives that confirm our key partners are in our corner! Well done – and thank you.