BECA AppEALS fOR mORE SUppORT

repreSenTATiveS from the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) met online with Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan this week to plead for more targeted support for businesses reliant upon income from business events.

BECA spoke with the Minister online about the need for an urgent bundle of targeted measures as a lifeline towards recovery focusing on the three key areas of survival, confidence and recovery.

The industry body campaigned for Tehan to champion the return of a national wage subsidy scheme to support business survival and retention of specialist industry skills, the introduction of a national government-led event insurance scheme, as well as the launch of an improved Business Events Grant Program to stimulate demand of in-person business events in 2022, via corporate and association event owners.

“If we are to be match-fit for domestic recovery and deliver global best practice to our international clients for which we are recognised when the border reopens, retaining our people is essential,” BECA Deputy Chair, Geoff Donaghy said.

“With minimal opportunity to earn revenue over the past 18 months, the current Delta lockdowns across Australia are directly impacting lives and livelihoods and the core capability of our dynamic industry.”

BECA also informed the Minister that his government’s fourphase National Plan to transition Australia’s COVID-19 response provides very little clarity for when meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions can restart across the country.

“When restrictions lift, business events cannot simply switch on like other industries. Significant lead time is required to book, plan, and deliver business events,” Donaghy argued.

pictured: Dan Tehan.