NSW’s voucher system could revive Victoria’s hospitality industry

Industry leaders say a radical plan implemented in NSW to support the state’s hospitality and tourism industry could work in Victoria.

Pressure is mounting on the Victorian Government to unveil a hospitality and tourism voucher program, following similar schemes in other states.

Pressure is growing on the Victorian government to unveil a hospitality and tourism voucher program, following similar schemes in other states.

It comes after the NSW government announced an Australian first $500m hospitality voucher scheme to support struggling dining and entertainment sectors hit hard by COVID-19.

The scheme will see every adult resident receive four $25 digital vouchers — two to be used for dining, and two for entertainment activities.

While the NSW government is the first to introduce a hospitality voucher scheme, all other states or territories except Queensland have similar schemes targeting the struggling tourism sector.

The City of Melbourne is also exploring an independent voucher program to support hospitality businesses.

The voucher system hopes to get Victorians out and about. Picture: David Crosling

Now the Victorian government has come under pressure to follow suit.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity following government consultations, industry identities said they’re sceptical about such initiatives in next week’s state budget.

Under current COVID restrictions hospitality businesses are limited in trade, with 40 diners inside and 70 outside, across Victorian venues.

Those caps are expected to be lifted to 100 inside and 200 outside, subject to density limits, from Monday.

Restaurant & Catering Australia chief Wes Lambert said the NSW model was now the “gold standard” for support across the country.

“We would implore the Victorian government … to consider a similar scheme that would turbocharge the state’s recovery and get this iconic sector back on track,” he said.

“While grants and support are vital and the Victorian government has been generous so far, stimulating demand and boosting consumer confidence is the most important thing that can be done to ensure the viability of the Victorian hospitality sector in the short-to-medium term.”

In September the leading hospitality industry body said all state governments should set up voucher schemes.

Under current COVID restrictions hospitality businesses remain limited in trade. Picture : Ian Currie

Under a $650m Victorian proposal, that included a range of targeted business supports, each household would qualify for a $100 voucher to help prop up the struggling sector.

Celebrity chef Shannon Bennett said in lieu of a voucher scheme the government should be focused on wide-ranging hospitality tax reform.

Felicia Mariani, chief executive of the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, said she was hopeful any voucher scheme would also offer a lifeline to the tourism sector.

“There is a lot riding on this budget. The task has never been greater to rebuild Victoria and rebuild Victoria’s tourism industry,” Ms Mariani said.

She welcomed a range of pre-budget funding commitments aimed at the tourism industry, including $44.1m to keep building the Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail.

But she said more needs to be done to encourage intrastate travel and ensure small tourism business survived.

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Originally published as NSW’s voucher system could revive Victoria’s hospitality industry