NT hospitality voucher scheme a no brainer for Gunner Government

A HOSPITALITY voucher scheme would be a great initiative to save jobs by getting cash flowing quickly through our restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs.

Rick Conway and Gabby Brady knock back a Bullfighter at Monsoons Restaurant and Party Bar, Darwin. Picture: Che Chorley

THERE is every reason for the hospitality sector to take some encouragement out of Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s response to its call for a stimulus voucher scheme.

The scheme would be a great initiative to save jobs by getting cash flowing quickly through our restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs.

However, we think such a scheme should be broad enough to include Territory tourist attractions and accommodation venues.

The principle of such a scheme would be along the lines of the Home Improvement Scheme. You spend some to get some.

You are encouraging those, who would not otherwise be thinking of spending, to dig into their pockets and take advantage of a voucher to support local businesses.

So, for instance, if a Territorian were to get a voucher worth $50 from the government, it would only be redeemable if a minimum equivalent amount was spent by the voucher holder. So a $100 night out at a restaurant would cost the voucher holder $50 with the government footing the other $50.

The same principle could apply at a tourist attraction or an accommodation venue.

The vouchers must have a use by date to encourage quick and early spending, particularly given our Dry season in the Top End will be decimated because of border closures.

The vouchers should be used at different venues to spread the love.

How would it be funded?

Out of the existing budget by delaying or scrapping non-critical spending.