Victorians to get cash back on dining, entertainment amid hospo recruitment drive

Victorians are now eligible to claim money back on dining and entertainment across the state under a new $60m rebate scheme to boost spending.

Victorians can now claim back 25 per cent of their total bill when dining out or visiting any venue across the state.

The $60m Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program – which offers rebates on dining and entertainment experiences across the state – launched on Tuesday.

Rebates will be offered at cafes and restaurants, bars and pubs – when food is purchased, at food trucks, registered clubs, breweries and wineries and at fast food and takeaway outlets.

They can also be used for tickets to the cinema, exhibitions, museums, zoos, theme parks, at the theatre or at music and comedy events.

Entry to sporting events does not fall under the eligibility criteria and food ordered through home delivery companies such as Uber Eats, DoorDash and Deliveroo also can’t be claimed back.

The scheme differs from the hugely popular Melbourne Money program which only applies to venues in the CBD.

Victoria’s restaurants, bars and cafes have desperately struggled for staff over the past few months as the state emerges from the pandemic. Picture: Ian Currie

Under the new Victoria-wide program, customers can receive 25 per cent back on their expenses, up to $125.

They must spend at least $40 at each venue to receive a rebate, which will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis and will apply until funds run out.

People can only claim back on dining experiences between Monday and Thursday, while the entertainment experiences can be used any day of the week.

Anyone with a valid Australian bank account – including Victorians, interstate travellers and international students – is able to take part.

Businesses don’t have to register to be part of the program, meaning customers can claim a rebate if the venue falls under the eligibility criteria.

The state government has touted the program as building customer confidence and supporting some of the industries hardest hit by the pandemic.

Entertainment experiences, such as visits to The Lume at the Melbourne Convention Centre, can be used any day of the week.

Big hospitality recruitment drive

It comes as 500 jobseekers will be rapidly recruited and trained up in a bid to ease crippling hospitality staff shortages.

Employment Minister Jaala Pulford on Tuesday announced almost $7m in funding would be used to train up workers in the hospitality industry, filling roles in small to medium sized businesses.

Workers will receive five days of paid hospitality training such as food handling, barista and responsible service of alcohol training, uniforms and tools of the trade.

They will also receive mentoring to ensure they are given the best opportunity to succeed on the job and set up for a new career in the hospitality industry.

Victoria’s restaurants, bars and cafes have desperately struggled for staff over the past few months as the state emerges from the pandemic.

Employment Minister Jaala Pulford says almost $7m in funding will be used to train up workers in the hospitality industry. Picture: David Crosling

The uncertainty of being repeatedly plunged in and out of lockdown was a key driver in thousands of local workers fleeing the industry in search for greater job certainty, while closed international borders also led to a severe shortage of foreign students and skilled migrant workers.

The recruitment drive will begin this week and runs until September.

It will target those hardest hit by the pandemic including women over 45, people from multicultural backgrounds, Aboriginal people, people with disability and young people.

Small and medium-sized hospitality businesses urgently needing staff can access the pool of workers for roles with at least 20 hours of work per week and for up to 26 weeks to assist in managing staff shortages.

Ms Pulford said the scheme served as a “double-win”.

“It’ll help job seekers find work – while giving businesses the certainty they need with more staff to serve millions of Victorians flocking back to pubs, cafes and restaurants,” she said.

“Hospitality staff are in short supply – whether it’s front of house, in the kitchen or behind the bar – so we’re backing more people to work in an industry Victoria is famous for.”