An Independent Petition Circulated by Concerned Far North Queensland Tour Operators

Queensland’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry needs financial assistance now!

For the Attention of:

The Honourable Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison & The Honourable Queensland State Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk

Through no fault of their own, Queensland Tourism and Hospitality employers and employees are suffering as a result of State lockdowns and border closures, with customers “locked out” from our major domestic markets of New South Wales and Victoria, and severely impacting their ability to trade. For example, Far North Queensland has only had a total of 72 days unaffected by lockdowns or border closures since March 2020.

Many businesses are trading at or less than 10% of pre-Covid at best and have been doing so for some time now. Without the 2020 JobKeeper Program, many businesses would not exist today, and the industry is very appreciative of that support from the federal Government during that period of need.

Right now, many Queensland businesses are facing bankruptcy and there is little financial support being offered in order to prevent an inevitable systemic breakdown of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in regions such as Far North Queensland.

Employees and their families across the direct and indirect Tourism sector are suffering due to loss of income resulting from reduced hours and stand-downs. Tourism Tropical North Queensland is reporting 650 operations and 3000 employees are hanging by a knife’s edge right now, in dire need of immediate support.

Employers need help to retain staff (on reduced shifts or hours to keep their businesses open and to work in forward planning roles) to ensure that when State and International Borders do re-open, businesses are equipped to re-commence trade.

Employees and employers need immediate financial assistance to pay rates, rents, mortgages, electricity, communications, loans, transport, as well as their many other every-day living expenses. 

The Queensland tourism industry’s ability to bounce back economically is hinged on keeping specialised staff connected to their respective businesses: Dive instructors, white water rafting guides, balloon pilots, marine biologists, zookeepers, aquarium keepers, animal handlers, skydive instructors, reef skippers, and so many others are essential to the tourism industry, for without them there are no attractions and tours!

Specific joint Federal and State Government wage subsidy and business support for those most affected is vital NOW!

If the above scenario applies to you or people you know, please add your name to this petition and be sure to include your post code (Company name is optional).