JUNGLE DRUM: Staffing tourism challenges are real
LAWRENCE MASON COLUMN
I remember the old days advertising for staff. Ad in the paper, then shortlist and at times hiring an interview room in Cairns. Heady stuff, and all for a job in a remote rainforest.
Sometimes we would rent, then sublet houses for them. Generally a rental was available.
In those days we didn't really have work for travellers, and they often worked for accommodation venues for 'food and board'. Those that did get paid owed the balance on their bar tab anyway.
The advent of big flash resorts changed all that, you could work, get decent accommodation and actually save money. When modern awards arrived, you could save big money. Those of us who had deals with staff where food or alcohol was swapped for wages (or in some cases doing other work on a laptop or writing a book while working for a quiet business) had to end these kinds of arrangements, I would say to the detriment of tourism generally.
The loss of these kinds of arrangements means that every hour has to pay, and when you see a closed business when you want it, remember Australia voted to end work choices. While there were employers doing the wrong thing, there were equally scummy staff taking full advantage of the new rules. So now we all have POS systems telling us when it is and isn't economic to open. Because the awards are pretty steep.
Slowly though the mix of staff changed, to the point now where most are travellers. These people have to work, to get their 88 days or 176 days to qualify for the next visa extension. Some of them are amazing; we often have staff return a second time, their work is so good. I wish I could keep them forever. But oh my it is a minefield finding the good ones.
So many are after that cruisy job; 60 hours a week and no hard work. For those of us with kitchens that pump out the food at a crazy rate, finding the perfect person can be hard. Add to that the complete lack of understanding; some think the 88 days will go quicker if they do more hours, but that's not how it works. Most want you to guarantee hours that would send you broke.
I am honestly not sure how they ever get work, probably they get lied to a lot and find out later the 60 hour a week job is only 30 or less. Anyone doing 60 hours will be exhausted and not performing anywhere near par in my opinion.
Added to which many of them are from the same country and if you are not careful you end up becoming a territory of that place, with everyone speaking anything but English. Not a great look when your clients are domestic Aussies.
But unless the preponderance of Airbnb style accommodation is addressed, the chances of local staff in places like the Daintree are low.
The rules need changing. 88 days should be tied to one employer, and there should be more rules around when and where travellers can work. And someday someone will need to legislate on short term accommodation, or the whole place will become a resort. Our clients want Australian staff. Been a while since we had one of those apply....sadly.
Lawrence Mason has lived at Cape Tribulation all his life, and has been involved in farming, timber and tourism. He is a former board member of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, founding Chair of Daintree Marketing Co-operative, and has been a member of both Alexandra Bay and Mossman State High School P&C. He is also a member of the Douglas Chamber of Commerce and has a keen interest in local issues.
- The opinions and views in this column are those of the author and author only and do not reflect the Newsport editor or staff.
