More cuts may follow at Mindil Beach Casino Resort if business conditions do not improve
RECENT mass job cuts at Mindil Beach Casino Resort have been described as “heartbreaking”, with more cuts on the table if business doesn’t improve
Politics
Don't miss out on the headlines from Politics. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Financial hit forces sackings and more job cuts at Mindil Beach Casino resort
- Hundreds of Mindil Beach Casino Resort jobs on the line as JobKeeper comes to an end
CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has described the recent mass job cuts at Darwin’s Mindil Beach Casino Resort as “heartbreaking” but not surprising.
The NT News revealed on Tuesday night that the casino would axe a further 12 jobs — and 200 casual staff would have their shifts cut in the wake of a COVID-19 forced restructure. More cuts may follow if business conditions do not improve.
MORE TOP NEWS
More job cuts and sackings at Mindil Beach Casino Resort
New case of COVID-19 in Howard Springs
Virgin reintroduces flights between Alice Springs, Brisbane
The Chief Minister said Territory businesses that relied on international visitors were being hit the hardest throughout the pandemic.
“Any job loss is heartbreaking,” Mr Gunner said.
“The coronavirus crisis has resulted in thousands of job losses across the country, and while the Territory has done better than everywhere else, we are not completely immune from the impacts.
“There is support available from the federal government for job seekers, and we are also working on new programs to help Territorians in our budget.”
NT Chamber of Commerce chief executive Greg Ireland said sadly it was “not surprising” to see businesses like the casino shedding jobs.
Mr Ireland said the casino was not the only business he had seen recently forced to cut back their workforce.
“We’re seeing many Territory businesses having to rationalise staff, especially if they’ve had been on JobKeeper for some time and now find they no longer qualify for that same level of support,” he said
“I think we’re seeing many businesses in similar positions as the casino shedding jobs across the Territory, but because they are much smaller they don’t make the headlines.
“The size of the casino means they have a lot more staff on the line, and that’s going to draw our attention.”
LIMITED TIME: New NT News subscription offer: $1 a week for the first 12 weeks
Delaware North, the owner and operator of Mindil Beach Casino Resort, said it had to continue to make difficult decisions necessary to stabilise the company.
General manager Mark Bennett said while the company was hopeful the casino’s operations would return to normal next year, the business conditions would continue to be monitored, as would the subsequent effect on its operations and impact on its workforce.
Internal documents reveal mining minister was ordered to reject Jabiluka bid
Confidential documents show the Commonwealth did not believe Rio Tinto would back a fight against Territory Traditional Owners who are pushing to expand Kakadu National Park.
‘Dysfunctional justice’: Judges condemn ‘unacceptable’ court chaos
A judge said he was being kept up at night by the thought of leaving Territorians — who have the right to the presumption of innocence — in crowded cells, with no access to their lawyers. See why people are being ‘denied access to basic justice’.