The Morrison Government is leaving Far North Queensland tourism businesses in the lurch as the axe looms over JobKeeper on March 28.

Reports this week reveal tourism businesses in Cairns are on the edge of a financial cliff and thousands of jobs are at risk if support is cut prematurely.

The Morrison Government is out of touch with tourism businesses who are pleading for ongoing support and only getting mixed messages from the Government about their future.

Cairns-based Labor Senator Nita Green said she was speaking directly with Labor’s key Shadow Ministers about the economic realities faced by Far North Queensland businesses.

She said the region had a long way to go before it recovered. 

“This week we learned that international travel is unlikely to return until next year. That is a long time to wait for a region that relies on international tourism,” Senator Green said.

“’It’s not over,’ that is the clear message I am hearing from people on the ground.”

 “The Morrison Government needs to consider what options are available to provide support beyond March for workers, small businesses and industries in areas like Cairns which are doing it tough.

“If an extension of JobKeeper isn’t on the cards, the Treasurer should explain what alternative support will be available.”

TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2020

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