Wednesday, 21 October 2020
The South Australian Business Chamber is calling on the SA Government to announce a dedicated funding support package for South Australian businesses in the tourism and events supply chain that remain acutely impacted by ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
The independent peak business body said SA had “fallen behind” other states including Tasmania, which yesterday announced a $2.5 million grant program to help revive its events industry.
The South Australian Business Chamber CEO, Martin Haese said he had written and met with Treasurer Rob Lucas in recent weeks, pleading for a tourism and events support package to be included in the State Budget to be announced on 10 November.
“South Australia is the Festival State, and our festivals and events need more support,” said Mr Haese.
“The South Australian Business Chamber, as the State’s independent peak business body, has met with businesses both small and large in the events supply chain and travel industry over recent weeks who still remain materially impacted by ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
“The South Australian Business Chamber is calling on the State Government to announce a targeted support package for those business in heavily impacted sectors, particularly in events, tourism and hospitality venues subject to indoor standing and drinking rules.”
Mr Haese said South Australia had been eclipsed by the Tasmanian Government, which yesterday announced grants of up to $5,000 for smaller business and up to $100,000 for businesses with a larger turnover.
Under the Tassie scheme, the grants will be made available to businesses that provide critical event support infrastructure and services involved in the delivery of events.
“The South Australian Business Chamber is calling on the SA Government to go one step further and include severely impacted tourism and hospitality business in a similar support package to that announced by the Tasmanian Government,” said Mr Haese.
“While these businesses have been helped by JobKeeper and some other support measures, their revenue remains significantly comprised by ongoing restrictions and they need additional cashflow assistance.
“South Australia’s events supply chain plays a crucial role in tourism attraction as well as underwriting the liveability of the State.
“The South Australian Business Chamber is concerned if these businesses don’t receive more targeted financial support many will fold before the festival season even kicks off.”
