The Australian Hotels Association has welcomed the Federal Government’s $130b wage subsidy “Jobkeeper” package - with CEO Stephen Ferguson saying it will help many hoteliers retain their ‘vital connection to staff’ during difficult times.

The new package will see businesses impacted by COVID-19 - including hotels - able to access a subsidy to continue paying employees. Affected employers will be able to claim a fortnightly payment of $1500 per eligible employee, for a maximum of six months.

Mr Ferguson said the Association had been pushing for a system where employers were paid a rebate for keeping staff on for some time.

“Firstly, I want to thank the Prime Minister and the Federal Government for announcing this scheme and the Opposition for supporting it,” he said.

“There is a lot more detail to work through, but I can say it is vital for hoteliers to retain a connection to their loyal staff as much as possible during this critical period and this package goes some way toward helping us do that.

“I’ve said previously this national hotel closure comes at a huge financial cost.

“We are putting lives and the health of our staff and patrons first, but many on-going bills still need to be paid by mum and dad operators while the pub is not able to trade and have any income other than some small take-away sales.

“We are a resilient industry, however, we will get through this together and continue to work closely with Governments and the broader community.

“We look forward to being part of the national recovery when this troubled time has passed.”

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