Labor welcomes the release of Tourism Research Australia’s State Tourism Satellite Accounts 2017-18 data which demonstrates the importance of tourism to the economies of all of Australia’s States and Territories.
This data, which also details consumption, employment and economic activity, highlights how important this vital industry is right across Australia.
Labor understands that tourism is at the heart of Australia’s economic narrative, contributing $100 billion to our national GDP and employing almost one million people.
The figures highlight the direct and indirect employment in tourism across Australia, with employment in the industry growing in every state and territory.
And while Labor welcomes these numbers, we know they could be higher.
Skills shortages are impacting these sectors preventing Australians from participating fully in the visitor economy.
Employment forecasts show that at least an additional 62,000 workers are needed over the next five years to fill posts across the tourism industry.
Seven out of every ten employers in the sector have reported skills deficiencies in their workforce, an increase of 11 per cent since 2011.
This issue has been compounded by the Liberal’s complete mismanagement of the TAFE sector.
The Vocational Education and Training sector is the primary supplier of workers in the tourism industry but under this Government we have lost more than 150,000 apprentices and trainees. In addition, they have slashed $3 billion from TAFE and training.
The Morrison Government must address this critical issue which is hurting businesses and preventing Australians from being employed in this rewarding, diverse and important industry.