NIGHT JOBS JAM
Alarm as Tassie’s vital after-hours economy slows
THERE are fears Tasmania may be missing out as its critical night-time economy lags interstate growth.
With night-time businesses representing 19 per cent of all establish- ments in Tasmania, the sector is more important to the economy here than in any other state, a new report has found.
But, sounding a note of concern, the report by Ortus Economic Research says employment and sales turnover as a proportion of the total economy are decreasing.
Tasmania’s “night-time economy” is the largest in the nation in percentage terms, according to the report, prepared for the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors.
Food, drink and entertainment are a key part of the state’s economic po- tential, the report says, noting job numbers in pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues surged by 18 per cent between 2009 and 2015 and turnover grew by 37 per cent.
“This is unsurprising given the increasing role that tourism plays,” the report says, putting the number of workers in Tasmania’s night-time economy at just over 25,000.
“However, growth in terms of establishments and employment were below the national benchmark and turnover only marginally above,” it says.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said it showed how important the visitor economy was to the state.
“It’s like retail, we are posting really good numbers there because more people are coming to Tasmania,” Mr Martin said.
“There’s a vibrancy in Hobart and the regions, and people are wanting to experience that.
“It’s all a reflection that Tasmania is recognising just how important the visitor economy is to the state.”
Hobart had a sales turnover of $644 million a year from the night-time economy.
Economist Saul Eslake said he was surprised at Tasmania’s apparent dependence on the night-time economy.
“There isn’t really that perception that there’s a lot to do in Hobart and Tasmania at night,” Mr Eslake said.
“Hobart has had very liberal laws when it comes to late night activities since Wrest Point was built, but we don’t have any real large scale concerts regularly or any longrunning shows.
“So it does surprise me. I do suppose that festivals such as Dark Mofo have helped a lot.
“I think the state is starting to appeal very much to young adults, which can explain the results somewhat.”
Food was the biggest contributor to Tasmania’s and Hobart’s night-time economy — representing 63 per cent of establishments in the sector.
Mr Eslake said the state could not rest on its laurels.
“I suppose as the adage goes, when you are on a good thing stick to it,” he said.
“It’s just about providing an authentic experience, because that is what people come to Tasmania for.”