“Door still open” - AFTA

THERE’S been no further news on the bid by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents for $125 million in industry-specific support, after AFTA CEO Darren Rudd took part in a meeting with the office of the Prime Minister yesterday afternoon.

After the meeting Rudd assured agents that “the door is open” for further negotiations, with the Government now appreciating that the loss carry-back provisions in the Federal Budget (TD yesterday) “may not be good for all,” because the industry is unable to fund losses, with a more widely applicable support package now under discussion.

Last night on Sky News Rudd told host Alan Jones he rated the Budget as “4.5 out of 10” and noted the forecasts in the Budget that international travel was likely to be subdued until the fourth quarter of 2021.

Despite a seeming lack of progress and frustration at the overall Budget outcome, it appears the efforts of the industry to lobby local MPs are being heard, with the Canberra Times reporting that during a joint Coalition party room meeting on Tue at least four Federal politicians raised concerns about the travel sector.

Rudd said “we know everyone is distressed, disappointed and frustrated at the lack of specific measures in the Federal budget but we need to remain constructive, strategic and focused in our lobbying.

“The door is still open for support to address our very specific needs and we are in detailed, data-driven dialogue.

“There were close to

600 submissions made to Government in the pre-budget process...ours is one of only a very few which the Government is still considering,” he said.