Victorian Government support 'a step in the right direction' says Accom. Association

PEAK lodging Industry body, the Accommodation Association, has welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement of a $3 billion support package of cash grants, tax relief and cashflow support as a much needed step in the right direction.

The Association has also thanked the Victorian Government for acknowledging the fact that Victoria’s hospitality businesses were “the bedrock of our economy, but right now, many are going through a tough time” and thanked them for the establishment of a $251 million dedicated Licence Venue Fund with additional relief via the waiving of liquor licence fees for 2021.

Accommodation Association CEO Dean Long said, “Our member hotels, motels and accommodation providers have been incredibly hard hit by COVID travel restrictions, border closures and the Victorian lockdown provisions. While we are still to work our way through the detail of today’s announcement, the Premier’s acknowledgement of the importance of our sector and the perilous reality we are now find ourselves in through no fault of our own is very welcome indeed..

“Fixed costs are driving hotels, motels and accommodation providers and  businesses right around Australia to the wall and we need relief there too.

“Our people, particularly those people and properties on the frontline supporting the government’s mandatory isolation program, are doing it incredibly tough and I know from the calls and emails received today that they too are very grateful for the acknowledgement," Mr Long said.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with government to find the way forward that strikes the best balance between protecting people’s health while also protecting their jobs and businesses.”

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