No hospitality representation at Jobs and Skills Summit – Paul Dimattina asks why
The lack of representation for the hospitality industry at the Jobs and Skills Summit has angered former AFL footballer turned restaurant owner Paul Dimattina.
The two-day event, which kicked off today and is led by the Albanese government has brought together business, unions, industry and leaders to discuss the current jobs crises and potential solutions to address skills shortages.
However, hospitality is underrepresented.
“The AHA (Australian Hotels Association) gets a rep but who else gets a look in?” Dimattina said.
Dimattina, who owns Lamaro’s Hotel in South Melbourne, said, “No restaurant, cafe or catering representatives — the industry with the largest workforce. We’re always just a poor cousin in all this and no one cares about us. The reality is coffee will soon be $7 or $8 and we are teetering on the brink.
“There is a crisis with staff and everyone wants to pay what’s fair and correct … it’s disappointing you don’t get a seat at the table. Hospitality is such an important part of our day-to-day lives and to not even be considered has left a lot of us gobsmacked.”
Over 140 representatives across a host of industries will be in attendance.
Irit Jackson, 31st August 2022
