Paul Dimattina furious at lack of hospitality representation at Jobs and Skills Summit

Former footy player and publican Paul Dimattina is furious “the industry with the largest workforce” has little representation at Labor’s jobs summit.

Former footy player and outspoken publican Paul Dimattina says he’s gobsmacked at the lack of hospitality representation in the Albanese government’s landmark Jobs and Skills Summit.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers will lead a two-day event from Thursday bringing business, unions, industry and leaders together to discuss the workforce crisis plaguing the country and the economic challenges.

“The AHA (Australian Hotels Association) gets a rep but who else gets a look in?” said Dimattina, who owns Lamaro’s Hotel in South Melbourne.

“No restaurant, cafe or catering representatives — the industry with the largest workforce. We’re always just a poor cousin in all this and no one cares about us. The reality is coffee will soon be $7 or $8 and we are teetering on the brink.

Paul Dimattina from the Lamaro Hotel is furious at the lack of representation for the struggling hospitality industry. Picture: Alex Coppel.

“There is a crisis with staff and everyone wants to pay what’s fair and correct … it’s disappointing you don’t get a seat at the table. Hospitality is such an important part of our day to day lives and to not even be considered has left a lot of us gobsmacked.”

More than 140 representatives will attend the event, including Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott, Visy boss Anthony Pratt, Qantas boss Alan Joyce, Toll Group Express’ Christine Holgate and billionaire Andrew Forrest.

Liberal MPs are refusing to attend the summit, claiming it a ‘talkfest’, but Nationals leader David Littleproud will be present.