Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) has congratulated Federal Minister Simon Birmingham on returning to his role leading the Government’s tourism strategy, along with the trade and investment portfolios, as well as the newly appointed Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism, Senator Jonathon Duniam.
“Minster Birmingham has been a steady force for the industry and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with him and the entire Morrison Government on strengthening Australia’s accommodation and tourism sectors,” said TAA CEO, Michael Johnson.
“We have many pressing issues on the horizon including the significant shortage of skilled labour in the accommodation sector, one of the major employers in the tourism industry.
“With more than AUD$8 billion being invested in the sector, and over 40,000 rooms in the development pipeline across Australia, we look forward to a co-ordinated approach from government and industry to address this critical issue.”
Johnson said TAA would also continue to advocate for more training and the development of a strong career path for those people already employed in the hotel industry.
“In coming months, I am looking forward to building on the great relationships we have across the Government and advocating for the issues which are vital to the continued success of the accommodation sector and the tourism industry more broadly,” he said.
Johnson also congratulated the new Labor leader, Anthony Albanese who has been a strong supporter of the tourism industry.
“As a former Shadow Minister for Tourism, Mr Albanese has a great understanding of our industry and its needs and we expect a close working relationship with him as leader of the Opposition,” he said.