Tourism Noosa responded to uncertainty and nervousness in the local tourism industry by hosting an Industry Thought Leadership Forum on Tuesday 23 November.
With the countdown on to Christmas holidays, many operators are struggling with a lack of staff, a housing crisis causing impediments to attracting staff to the region, the reality of opening our borders but also potentially letting Covid-19 in, a lack of information from government in regard to mandating vaccinated staff, how to manage a business with a Covid outbreak, and potential legal implications that will be forced on businesses.
The culmination of these factors is impacting businesses across Queensland and there are no easy answers.
The aim of the forum was for operators in the tourism industry to gain insight from industry leaders on how they are preparing for when the borders open.
The industry leaders included Kate McCreery-Carr, general manager operations Sunshine Coast Airport; Sue Willis, managing dDirector Niche Luxury Accommodation; Mark Wilkinson, general manager Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort; Brett Kapernick, deputy chief executive officer Queensland Tourism Industry Council; Quentin Long, managing director Australian Traveller; and Rio Capurso, Locale Noosa.
The key points of discussion from the industry leaders included the issue of staff shortages, legalities around vaccine mandates for staff and visitors, the processes and procedures of letting people enter from hotspots, insurance costs and issues, an update on the roadmap and an insight into the new ‘normal’.
Sue Willis, one of the speakers at the forum, has responded saying, “A big thank you to the Tourism Noosa team for facilitating important conversation amongst industry leaders in Noosa as we all prepare our businesses for the Queensland border opening on December 17.
“It is vital that we work together to ensure the Noosa brand is protected during such trying operating circumstances.
“To know we are all supporting each other, sharing important information and industry knowledge will be key as we continue to navigate business in a pandemic.”
While the roadmap to 17 December and beyond is still unclear, industry leaders provided a few tips for businesses to consider.
Rio Capurso spoke about the issue of staff shortages in the hospitality industry and suggested businesses utilise eager school students and train them up as staff members.
Sue Willis discussed the lack of residential housing available, which is preventing workers from moving to Noosa.
While she said she had no real long-term answers, she was currently housing cleaning staff in a refurbished share house with affordable rent.
Brett Kapernick strongly encouraged businesses to seek legal advice for areas where government mandates were not clear and to ensure all terms and conditions for all that businesses offer were well defined from start to finish of a service.
Finola Thompson from Coral Beach Noosa Resort said, “It was a great to get so many of the Noosa businesses together to talk about their concerns as we head into the holiday season.
“Covid has created a challenging environment for all of us and we rarely get together to share our knowledge and discuss what can be done to mitigate the risks. Thank you to Tourism Noosa for organising this initiative.“
A further discussion was sparked among attendees and industry leaders considering some of the more unclear aspects of the government roadmap.
The following frequently asked questions has been sourced from covid19.qld.gov.au
Q: Can the owner of an essential business decide not to permit entry to unvaccinated patrons or staff?
A: Essential businesses can self-impose rules for patrons and can decide to refuse entry to unvaccinated patrons. In relation to staff, business owners are encouraged to seek their own legal advice. The Fair Work Ombudsman has released detailed advice for employers about mandating vaccination of workers. This information can be found at Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws.
Q: Will business be shut down if they are exposure sites? Will close contacts still have to quarantine for 14 days?
A: When a contact tracing alert is issued, a venue may have to close for cleaning, and some staff may need to quarantine, but once that cleaning is complete, they are able to re-open. A Public Health Unit will undertake a risk assessment to determine what level of local response is required. If a business is open and trading, it is safe to visit.
Q: Fair Work states employers cannot ask/force employees to vaccinate. What remedial action can employers take if employees refuse to vaccinate?
A: The Fair Work Ombudsman has released detailed advice for employers about mandating vaccination of workers. This information can be found at Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws. Business owners are encouraged to seek their own legal advice.
While many questions still remain unanswered until the Queensland Government’s public health directives are finalised, the forum heard thought-provoking discussion, sharing of ideas and helpful information.
If you have any of your own questions regarding borders reopening and the future of the pandemic, you can submit them to the Department of Tourism’s Tourism Response Team at tourismresponse@dtis.qld.gov.au
