The Restaurant & Catering Association applauds the Government on a budget that carefully balances the need for fiscal restraint with the need to maintain spending in areas that support jobs - hospitality services. R&C Vic supports the RCA’s stance that to further dampen demand (through spending cuts) would have been dangerous in an economy supported by services.
R&CA President, Con Castrisos said that ‘now that the services economy supports 82% of employment in Australia, deep slashing budgets are too dangerous an instrument. As the Government has achieved in this budget, careful management is the key to keeping the Australian economy strong’.
The Association expressed its support for the closing of the loop-hole that allows for FBT free meals for big business.
In contrast the Association expressed concern over the lack of inclusion of service businesses in the Climate Change initiative. R&CA CEO John Hart suggested that ‘every business needs to do its bit if we are to reduce omissions.’ ‘It is disappointing that some sectors will receive help to do this and others will not.’
The Association was very pleased to see the realisation of commitments to training and immigration places that will ease labour and skills constraints in the hospitality industry.
