From DARREN Rudd, Chief Executive Officer
Australian Federation of Travel Agents
I would like to commence this month’s column by acknowledging the tremendous and collaborative efforts of AFTA members over the last eight weeks. Everyone, in a uniform and constructive way, has demonstrated great commitment, passion and shared responsibility as we flight for the survival of our sector.
In recent weeks we have seen both State and Federal Parliamentarians, Government agencies, trade and mainstream media champion the cause in partnership with the travel sector in a never before seen effort of collaboration.
Negotiations between AFTA and the Federal Government around sector specific support continue and we are in very detailed, data-driven discussions, which is part of standard government process (irrespective of what sector it is earmarked for) when evaluating such a substantial request for funding.
I have been in Canberra several times since the Federal Budget was announced and I assure you that dialogues with representatives of the Finance and Tourism Ministers, the Treasurer, as well as the Prime Minister’s Office are still very much alive.
So, to every single one of you who has participated in a meeting with your local Federal MP, the fact that we have got this far is largely a result of your efforts — thank you. These meetings will be an ongoing vehicle that will be used for separate policy initiatives as we rebuild this sector to its former health, wealth and prosperity.
On Monday 27 October, I had the pleasure of briefing the Deputy Prime Minister along with Pat Conaghan MP, Federal Member for Cowper and great advocate of travel agents. He was completely engaged and across the detail, thanks to the hard work of Pat and other Parliamentarians. Following that and other meetings, the Federal National Party announced its unified support for a travel industry support package to their senior coalition partner, the Federal Liberal Party. Please read it HERE.
The AFTA Team and I remain committed to driving as hard as possible for a positive outcome with respect to this rescue package. Stay tuned.
