Skroo to NSW Premier: ‘Thanks, but no thanks’
Flight Centre CEO Graham ‘Skroo’ Turner has responded to revelations NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has plans in play to lure his Brisbane-based business across the border.
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Flight Centre CEO Graham ‘Skroo’ Turner has poured cold water on an offer from NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to move his company to NSW in exchange tax breaks.
“I’m going to give him ( Flight Centre CEO Graham Turner) a call and say come on down we’re waiting for you - we want the jobs here,” she told 2GB earlier on Friday morning.
But Mr Turner told The Courier-Mail the embattled tourism company wasn’t interested in moving its headquarters, it was focused on simply surviving.
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“Of all our issues, where our global headquarters is based isn’t our top priority,” he said.
“At this time we’re in survival and hibernation mode so it would be a very difficult decision for us to consider at this point.”
Mr Turner said he would speak with Ms Berejiklian about the NSW Government’s proposal, but said she should stay focused on pressuring Annastacia Palaszczuk to open Queensland’s borders.
“What we really need is if she (Ms Berejiklian) can get the borders open that would be worth tenfold,” he said.
“This is an absolutely crucial thing and it’s costing jobs.
“With NSW and Victoria (closed) it’s something like $7bn or $8bn a year we’re losing in tourism alone.”
Mr Turner acknowledged the rent discount and tax relief on offer from NSW “would help” Flight Centre, which has reduced its monthly costs from $230m to $60m.
Flight Centre sold its 11-storey Melbourne office for $62.5m in May while securing Virgin Australia to rent five storeys of its Southbank building.
Mr Turner has not contacted the Queensland Government since its election victory on Saturday, declaring Labor ministers “know my views” on the borders.
“If any of the state governments can help get the borders open that’s the top thing for us,” Mr Turner said.
As part of a $250 million jobs funding boost announced yesterday, Ms Berejiklian said businesses that create at least 30 new jobs in NSW would get payroll tax relief, cheaper rent, and access to fast-tracked planning approval pathways in a move designed to lure interstate and international companies into our state.
The so-called Jobs Plus Program, revealed by Premier Gladys Berejiklian today, is designed to support companies looking to relocate to NSW or expand their local operations.
Ms Berejiklian said the budget measure will create or support up to 25,000 jobs in NSW to 30 June 2022.
“We will unashamedly encourage businesses to relocate their head offices to NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.
The state government has pledged a range of support measures for businesses which create at least 30 new net jobs here, including payroll tax relief for four years for every new job created.
Companies relocating to NSW or expanding here will get assistance with the state’s planning system including fast-tracked planning approval pathways and advice.
The government will also provide free or subsidised government space and accommodation.
Ms Berejiklian said the government will also “provide enabling infrastructure such as roads and utilities”.
“We will now take that burden, that load off you,” she said.
The Premier said the “biggest challenge” facing the nation is creating new jobs and supporting existing jobs.
“Unless we get those policy parameters right today, hundreds of thousands of people will risk being out of the workforce,” she said.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the measure will reduce cost and risk for businesses looking to expand in NSW.
“This is a clear signal to the private sector that NSW is the best place to invest and grow your business,” Mr Perrottet said.
The program will start on December 15 and be wound up on June 30 2020.
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Originally published as Skroo to NSW Premier: ‘Thanks, but no thanks’