Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA)  has welcomed the Queensland Government’s  budget measures to support the State’s tourism and small business  sectors  as outlined in  its  2018 – 19 State  Budget. R&CA CEO Juliana Payne commended the Queensland Government’s  $26 million  commitment to  extend the 50 per cent payroll tax rebate program until 30 June 2019 for  businesses hiring  apprentices and trainees.

“Crucially, over 90 per cent of the approximately 8,000 cafés , restaurants and catering  businesses in Queensland are small businesses with 19 employees or less.  “The extension of the Government’s 50 per cent payroll tax rebate for businesses  employing an apprentice or trainee is a win – win policy for small business – owners and the  apprentices and trainees starting out their careers.  “Hospitality businesses need to be able flourish rather than just survive and easing the burden of payroll tax is one way to achieve this outcome.

Ms Payne also praised the Government’s investment in tourism marketing and major  events, including  $94.6 million  over five years to progress programs under the  Growing  Tourism, Growing Tourism Jobs initiative.  “The critical importance of tourism and major events to the Queensland economy and the  state’s employment outcomes cannot be understated . “Proper investment in tourism marketing and major events is needed to attract tourists  from both  domestic and overseas sources to reap the full economic and employment benefits of tourism and hospitality .

“We are pleased that the 2018 – 19 Budget recognises this with significant funding  commitments to tourism infrastructure  projects  and marketing activities,”  Ms Payne said.

For further information on this media release, please contact: Juliana Payne Chief Executive Officer Restaurant & Catering Industry Association P: 1300 722 878 E: restncat@restaurantcater.asn.au  

Original article: http://rca.asn.au/rca/media-releases/