Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters MP has met with travel industry experts in Castlemaine to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to demand the extension of JobKeeper.
Ms Chesters said there’s no doubt that the travel industry has been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The recent spike in cases in Victoria is a clear indicator that we are still in uncertain times, with no end date to the pandemic,” she said.
“I’m calling on the Morrison Government to extend JobKeeper for the travel industry and save local jobs.
“Cancelling JobKeeper too early would have a devastating impact on local businesses and households,” Chesters said.
Former Castlemaine lad Ben Ross and partner Nicola Veltman operate 1000 Mile Travel Group and said the travel industry was the first hit and will be the last out of this crisis.
“We have largely been forgotten about and are in a stalling pattern not being able to forecast or plan for our business which is a theme across our industry,” Ms Veltman said.
“Right now, even though we need JobKeeper to be extended, it is a band aid effect,” she said.
“If JobKeeper is extended and borders remain closed we will see an exodus from the industry as staff will consider alternative industries not impacted and we will lose highly valued skilled workers,” Veltman said. See the Mail for the full story. Out Now.