Sharman Stone MP

More Flexibility for the Hospitality Industry

September 28, 2011

More Flexibility for the Hospitality Industry

Following considerable pressure from the Federal Coalition, red tape that forced restaurants and cafés to charge higher prices on weekends and public holidays, has been removed, returning some much needed flexibility to the hospitality sector.

Under the Gillard Government, restaurant management were forced to factor in additional costs such as employee penalty rates on their non-weekday menu. The food and beverage industry is challenging enough without the Prime Minister enforcing policies that do nothing but add administrative burden and reduce turnover.

Federal Member for Murray, Dr Sharman Stone said “finally this poor piece of legislation has been revoked; it was an unfair law that did nothing but prevent restaurant and café owners from expanding their business and staff numbers.”

“The food and beverage trade in Murray is vital to our local economy. It employs hundreds of hard working Australians and benefits thousands more in associated industries such as transport, farming, water and tourism.” Sharman Stone said.

“Prime Minister Gillard must continue assisting this vital industry to grow and prosper, rather than strangle it. I just hope this one positive move is not followed by numerous mistakes, which sadly is becoming normal practice for the Labor Green Government.

“One only has to consider the massive, new tax we were promised never to face.” Sharman Stone said.

“This Carbon Tax will increase hospitality costs across the board,” Sharman Stone said, “from the gas stove they cook on, to the power used to vacuum the floors, every part of their business will suffer.”

The restaurant and catering industry are feeling the pain already, yet under a Carbon Tax many businesses will become commercially unviable and be forced to shut their doors completely.

“Ms Gillard must stop this Carbon Tax before it puts another industry on death row,” Sharman Stone said, “and consider the damage it will cause to thousands of people in regional areas like the electorate of Murray.”