- National Skills Commission Co-design Discussion Paper (November) – QTIC highlighted the need for the continuation of a state led approach to VET investment and that a centralised approach will not direct investment where employer needs are. It was stated that role duplication must be avoided and the resources must not be wasted through this process.
- North Queensland Regional Plan (November) – QTIC supports the strong focus on tourism in the North Queensland Regional Plan. The First Nations Potentials Plan was highlighted as a framework for directing investment into market-led tourism opportunities. QTIC also emphasised the need to consider and measure the economic, social and environmental impact of tourism markets, including cruise ships, and set long-term plans to optimise benefits for communities.
- Christmas Eve Part Day Public Holiday (September) – Following up from the submission in August, a Bill was tabled for the passing of the Part Day Public Holiday. QTIC reiterated that this is not in the best interest of businesses across the state and that those who did support it had little evidence to support the benefits of the proposed changes. We also highlighted the significant number of businesses represented by peak bodies in submissions that opposed the Bill.
- Northern Australia Agenda (September) – On review of the effectiveness of the Northern Australia Agenda, QTIC identifies that the funding program does not promote demand led infrastructure and that greater accessibility and transparency is required. Furthermore, QTIC recommended the adoption and support of the Jobs Queensland Regional Plans and the forthcoming First Nations Tourism Potentials Plan to direct investment effectively.
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Migration in Regional Australia (September) – QTIC advocates for a seniors working holiday visa, the incentivisation of regional migration, a review of the ANZCO structure and better pathways to permanency to encourage regional migration among international students.
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Christmas Eve Part Day Public Holiday (August) – Based on the analysis conducted, QTIC as a representative of its membership and industry does not support the proposed public holiday on Christmas Eve and recommended that the State Government does not pursue this proposal any further. Small business will face significant negative impact if this goes ahead.
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Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas (August) – QTIC highlighted the value of tourism in Regional Queensland and the opportunities for growth. Key considerations include the importance of Technology and an integration of technology to enhance efficiencies across the industry; demographic and social changes – specifically flexible workforces; legal institutional and policy influence and training and skills.
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Competition and Consumer Amendments (August) - QTIC supports the amendment bill as a step towards stopping the sale of fake Indigenous art. However, a single approach is unlikely to solve the problem, QTIC advocates for a broader approach tackling from both a demand and supply side through education around the identification of Indigenous art
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Foreign Land Tax Changes (July) Among budgetary announcements was the change to foreign land tax charges. These would have significant implications for foreign owned hotels and tourism operators across the state and put Queensland at a significant competitive disadvantage. QTIC advocated for a review of these changes to align with other jurisdictions.
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Marine Parks (Moreton Bay) Zoning Plan (June 2019): In response to changes to the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan, QTIC advocated for the removal of ambiguity within the plan to protect the on-going engagement of existing operators in the park.
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Queensland Transport Strategy (April 2019): QTIC commended TMR for the focus on sustainability throughout the draft transport strategy, however advocates for a strong focus on regional Queensland. Challenges with recent changes to Roma Street interchange were also identified and recommendations were made to support the ongoing operations of tour operators through the (April) interchange.
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Mt Coolum Draft Management Plan (March 2019): The Mount Coolum Draft Management Plan explores opportunities to protect Mount Coolum whilst supporting mixed use. QTIC advocated for the acknowledgement of the impact of climate change to be explored within the plan and highlighted the opportunity for technology to support delivery of an exceptional consumer experience and for people management.
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Australian Qualification Framework Review (March 2019): A review of the AQF is examining the relevance of the Qualification Framework and whether it is fit for purpose. QTIC observes that whilst the core objectives of the AQF remain broad enough to remain relevant, the framework needs to become more flexible and offer opportunities that support learning in the gig economy.
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Regional Transport Plans (March 2019): The proposed Regional Transport Plans failed to consider priority action and infrastructure developments identified within the Destination Tourism Plans. QTIC's submission to the Department of Transport and Main Roads urged the consideration of these documents across all regions to ensure that the visitor population is considered alongside the resident population in upgrades.
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Wet Tropics Climate Plan (March 2019): QTIC supports the development of a committee to oversee the planning and adaptation responses and advocates for a tourism representative to be included on this committee. It is also recommended that the plan draws on the existing Biodiversity, Agriculture and Tourism Sector Adaptation Plans to support an integrated approach to the management of climate effects.
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Beyond Tourism 2020 Strategy (March 2019): Overall, the draft Beyond 2020 paper presented by the Trade and Investment Commission is incredibly underwhelming, fails to address critical issues and opportunities faced by industry and lacks aspirational goals required to galvanise an industry for success over the next 10 years. Trends such as skill shortages, climate change, and changing business models were not fully, or at all, addressed within the document. The reviewed documents needs to demonstrate leadership and forward-looking strategies to develop a quality tourism experience.
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Queensland Walking Strategy (February 2019): QTIC advocated for consideration to the resilience of walking infrastructure and the inclusion of protection from the changing climate. Furthermore, QTIC advocated for the consideration of the Destination Management Plans and priority walking infrastructure identified within each of the thirteen plans.
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Fair Dinkum Power (February 2019): As we shift to a new model for power delivery, QTIC advocated for a framework for clean energy. The level and way of consuming power has changed and a new model must reflect the way in which society now utilises power. Innovative opportunities to create efficiencies and support a decarbonisation process should be a priority outcome. QTIC also advocated to ensure the changes do not place an undue financial burden on operators.
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Updating Training Package Products - Cookery Qualification (February 2019): SkillsIQ were consulting on the cookery qualifications and pathways to obtaining qualifications. QTIC accepts the proposed pathway for cookery qualifications. However, based on responses to an industry survey, also included the following recommendations; Introduce skills or knowledge tests rather than prerequisites exclusive of RPL; Examine the opportunity to develop modules to ensure basic skills are adequately developed; Include personal development Units of Competency to assist in managing the stress of the job; Enforce stronger requirements for trainers' ongoing engagement with industry to ensure they remain current.
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Updating Training Package Products - Event Qualifications (February 2019): A separate SkillsIQ submission explores the Events qualifications. The following recommendations were made based on industry consultation; Review proposed qualifications to better meet the needs of industry; Integrate core skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and relationship management across qualifications; Include a defined number of hours work experience as a minimum requirement for graduation; Ensure that training staff and remaining current through active engagement with industry.
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Regulations of the Tourism Services Act Review: We acknowledge the regulations associated with the Tourism Services Act remain fit for purpose. However, in the broader scope of legislative review, given the shift in business models within the industry, a full review is encouraged.
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Vocational Education and Training Review (23 January 2019): A number of challenges with the current VET system were identified. With a shift in the way that people are working and the nature of work, the VET system needs to evolve to better suit the changing requirements. In particular we identified power skills (soft skills), climate change, middle management, entrepreneurship and technology are not currently delivering the skills required for future workers
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Regulations of the Tourism Services Act Review (January 2019): QTIC acknowledged that the regulations associated with the Tourism Services Act remain fit for purpose. However, in the broader scope of legislative review, given the shift in business models within the industry a full review is encouraged.
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Vocational Education and Training Review (January 2019): A number of challenges with the current VET system were identified. With a shift in the way that people are working and the nature of work, the VET system needs to evolve to better suit the changing requirements. In particular, QTIC identifies that power skills (soft skills), climate change, middle management, entrepreneurship, and technology are not currently delivering the skills required for future workers.
