Spreading industrial action requires speedy resolution

27/10/11

Federal Shadow Tourism Minister Bob Baldwin urged the speedy resolution of industrial action being taken today by Customs and Border Protection staff affecting air and sea ports around the country.

Mr Baldwin said the strike by the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) should be considered in the context of a horror year for the Tourism industry impacted by the Global Financial Crisis, natural disasters broadcast around the world, and the continuing effect of the high Australian dollar.

“The government is fond of pointing to the GFC, natural disasters and the high dollar to excuse our slide from 4^th to 13^th place in global tourism competitiveness,” Mr Baldwin said.

“In reality, Government policy had done much to exacerbate impacts on tourism – such as the Government’s $34 million cut to the Customs and Border Protection budget, Labor’s increase in the Passenger Movement Charge revenues to $630m, and its failure to deal with the sector’s skills shortage.

“The Government needs to start listening to the country’s peak tourism groups, such as Tourism Accommodation Australia, who have highlighted the downstream impacts of industrial disputes.

Thousands of small businesses in the services sector are highly exposed to tourism and  can ill afford any more disruption.  As we are coming off the shoulder into the peak holiday season, customer processing and transportation has to run well,” Mr Baldwin said.

Mr Baldwin said the failure of the government and the union to settle their dispute showed complete disregard for the viability of those thousands of restaurants and smaller accommodation hotels struggling to stay afloat.

Mr Baldwin said it was likely the CPSU’s action was a signal to the Government over its $34 million in cuts to the service. 

“Removing resources directly impacts pressure on staff, and naturally increases the workload on those deployed to process inbound airline and cruise ship passengers,” Mr Baldwin said

“The Government needs to think about how its extra taxes on tourism and cuts to services affect the industry.   Outbound tourism is up 11 percent on last year, far outstripping the 3 percent increase in international inbound tourism. 

“The Government’s mishandling of Customs comes at a time when the tourism sector can ill afford any further damage to our international reputation as a holiday or business tourism destination.

And in response to the ongoing row between Qantas and unions representing long-haul pilots, licensed engineers, baggage handlers and caterers, Mr Baldwin called upon both sides to negotiate in good faith.

Mr Baldwin said that airline workers to needed to accept economic realities, and went on to say there needed to be a greater understanding of the challenges that Qantas was facing from global competitors, such as Emirates and Singapore Airlines, on routes in and out of Australia.

“There was also deep concern regarding the collateral damage the dispute was having on our tourism and hospitality industry, already facing a very challenging economic environment. 

“A resolution by both sides which strengthened the role of Qantas as part of a strong Australian airline industry, successfully attracting international visitors to our shores, would be a vital component in relieving some pressure on tourism and hospitality businesses, Mr Baldwin said.