Celebrity chef Luke Mangan urges PM to give the hospo industry a lifeline

The NSW hospitality industry has been given a lifeline by the state government to combat COVID-19 issues, but Glass Brasserie owner Luke Mangan believes the Federal government should also provide assistance.

In an open letter to the government, Mangan has called the devastating effects of the pandemic heartbreaking.

Mangan says, “After nearly two years of devastation, it’s heartbreaking to see so many NSW restaurants, cafes and tourism businesses forced to close their doors or cut their services during what should have been their busiest period.

“The Omicron wave decimated what many businesses had expected to be their lifeline or pathway back to success. Businesses looking forward to a summer holiday boom to save their bottom lines were blindsided. We’d only had a taste of our long-awaited summer before it was stolen from us.”

Mangan went onto say small and family businesses that are the backbone of th ecommunity were hit the hardest and that any hope they felt was snuffed out when “Business owners who were already grappling with a nationwide skills shortage became crippled with their staff either sick or forced to isolate. And people started cancelling their bookings and laying low as case numbers surged.”

Yet, Mangan remains positive. Summer is not over yet and there is still time for a recovery to occur. There is also support now coming from the NSW government.

“The NSW Government has stepped up and thrown a lifeline to many small businesses in the hospitality industry that are on their deathbed. Today’s Small Business Support Program announcement will help to restart our once vibrant hospitality industry and secure the employment of more than 300,000 people. It will mean hardworking Australians can stay employed — from farmers to suppliers and kitchen staff, and the flow-on benefits are enormous.

“I applaud this government, under the leadership of Berejiklian and now Perrottet, for their support of NSW small businesses during the pandemic. Today’s announcement will give our sector a much-needed shot in the arm to help us survive Omicron and get back doing what we do best, every day and night of the week.

Mangan believes rapid antigen test subsidies, two months’ rent relief and grants for commercial landlords will play a major role in the recover and offer necessary relief.

As will bringing people back into the city.

“Recognising the connection of the arts, tourism and hospitality sectors, the increased financial assistance for the performing arts sector will give people a reason to come back to the city and enjoy alfresco dining with entertainment. More patrons frequenting our restaurants and cafes means more people employed, more revenue and more flow on economic benefits.”

These measures come on top of the highly praised Dine & Discover program, temporary payroll tax relief and a safety net for cancelled music festivals. However, Mangan believes the Federal government must also step in.

“The Federal Government saved countless businesses with their JobKeeper initiative – and for that our industry is incredibly grateful – however the national skills shortage has the potential to devastate our industry even more than Covid has.

“Without more people in the Australian workforce and a focus on skills and training, many businesses will be unable to open their doors. When the pandemic hit, thousands of international workers returned to their home countries and now businesses are struggling to reopen because there simply aren’t enough Aussies to fill vacancies.”

Mangan says industry has been calling for a Covid Recovery Visa to be implemented that would enable businesses to access overseas talent in a safe way, while also providing local training incentives.  

“The Federal Government should also be focusing on skills and training within the hospitality sector. With a $7.1 billion investment in skills, including the National Skills Commission, surely there is something that can be done to attract and skill young Australians for the jobs in our industry.

The restaurant industry is tough – long hours, small profit margins and high overheads – but it is rewarding. I want to see our industry grow and flourish, and see young Australians making a name for themselves as leaders in our sector. I want to see Australia produce the next global hotel chain boss or next World’s Best Chef or have ten restaurants in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. But we can’t do this without the operating environment and policy settings.”

Mangan warns that the problems faced by industry are not yet over as Omicron is unlikely to be the final variant of COVID-19.

“Our battle against COVID-19 is not yet won – far from it. But there is light on the horizon once again. This new support from the NSW Government means businesses have the confidence to hold on, plan for the future and once more become the beating heart of our state.

“They say good things take time, I just hope it’s not too late! It’s been a struggle since December 13 and as I’ve said before it’s like a lockdown without having a lockdown.

“Here’s to good food and good times …”

Luke

Irit Jackson, 31^st January 2022