Ombudsman “inundated”

THE office of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) says it has been “inundated” with more than 1,000 responses from travel agents since launching a survey on Fri asking about the industry’s travails (TD 19 Oct).

The poll was launched after a meeting between Ombudsman Kate Carnell and travel agents Jo Francis from WA’s Global Travel Solutions and Christine RossFrancis from Attadale Travel, both of whom have remained vocal about informing important decision-makers about the plight of Aussie agents.

Carnell noted the high volume of concerned agents who communicated the details of financial hardship experienced since the health crisis struck.

“In just a few days, we have heard from hundreds of travel agents - 98% of which say they have seen their revenue plunge by more than 75% since COVID restrictions were introduced in Mar,” she said.

“More than half have told us their revenue had plummeted by over 100%, meaning they have been paying more out in refunds.

“These travel agents are working around the clock to negotiate refunds from travel companies and airlines for their customers.

“In fact, 56% of these small businesses have said they would have already closed down, if not for their commitment to ensure their customers were refunded for holidays they could no longer take,” she added.

Cornell said the ASBFEO would be further consulting with the sector to see what assistance is required, confirming a targeted government response is needed.

MEANWHILE, the Member for Dunkley in Victoria, Peta Murphy, has affirmed the plight of agents in Federal Parliament this week following a meeting with local agents, including meeting organiser Linda Forster.

Murphy called on the government to create a “specific, tailored assistance” package for agents who were neglected in the latest Federal Budget.