Workforce Challenges in the Australian Tourism Sector 

 
Prompted by forecasts of substantial increases in the number of international visitors to Australia, the Federal Government called an Inquiry into Workforce Challenges in the Australian Tourism Sector to better understand the workforce issues facing the tourism industry in Australia with a particular focus on the following:
  1. current and future employment trends in the industry;
  2. current and emerging skill shortages and appropriate recruitment, co-ordinated training and retention strategies;
  3. labour shortages and strategies to meet seasonal fluctuations in workforce demands;
  4. strategies to ensure employment in regional and remote areas; and
  5. innovative workplace measures to support further employment opportunities and business growth in the tourism sector.

Tourism Western Australia, together with the Western Australian Hospitality and Tourism Industry Training Council (Inc) prepared a submission to the inquiry with the input and support of the tourism industry. Some of the key messages contained in the submission include:

  • The tourism labour market in Western Australia is facing an enormous challenge as a result of skilll shortages.
  • The issues are not short-term or transient.
  • Market forces alone will not ensure the most favourable outcome for the industry.
  • Labour market reforms are needed.
Such reforms have already commenced. The Western Australian Government is implementing a number of strategies aimed at modernising training delivery, but there is much more that needs to be done. The Australian Government needs to consider short term policy initiatives aimed at rectifying current skills shortages problems, but at the same time initiate longer term strategies aimed at developing new labour markets to shore up industry sustainability.
A full copy of the submission " Making Tourism a First Resort" can be downloaded here.

PDF ICONWorkforce Challenges Report (1,471KB)

The Committee of Inquiry plans to visit Western Australia in March 2007 and will hear evidence from invited witnesses in Broome and Perth, about the issues and problems of skill and labour shortages being faced daily in the tourism and hospitality industry in this State. Solutions and options will also be suggested for the Committee's consideration.

To obtain detailed information about the inquiry, its processes and activities, this link will take you to the House of Representatives Employment, Workplace Relations and Workforce Participation Committee on Challenges in the Australian Tourism Sector website.

A Busy Restaurant Kitchen

Quick Guide to Hospitality Recruitment 2007

The Australian Hotels Association, supported by Tourism WA, has produced a useful Guide for the hospitality industry. The "Quick Guide" comprises of information concerning recruitment and retention and has key contacts for recruitment firms.

PDF ICONAHA Quick Guide to Hospitality Recruitment 2007 (220KB)

© Western Australia Tourism Commission 2007