R&CA delivers tangible outcomes to small businesses within the hospitality industry by influencing the policy decisions and regulations that impact our industry.
R&CA is committed to ensuring the industry is recognised as one of excellence, professionalism, profitability and sustainability. This includes advocating to Government at a Federal, State and Local level about the broader social and economic contribution of the sector to industry and government stakeholders, as well as highlighting the value of the restaurant experience to the public.
R&CA - FIGHTING FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS
Fighting for a better award system
R&CA is working to simplify the complex awards governing restaurants, cafe and catering businesses as well as continuing to oppose rises to the minimum wage, especially as our sector struggles to recover from the COVID crisis.
We are also fighting to stop new criminal penalties which may inadvertently target honest business owners who make honest mistakes when applying the award.
Fighting for more Skilled Workers
There is no doubt that the restaurant, cafe and catering industry is undergoing a significant shortage of skilled workers, across both the back and front of house, which has been made worse due to COVID. We are fighting for more flexibility to current visa and immigration arrangements to make it easier for businesses to hire and retain staff on visas as they recover.
Fighting for government spending targeted to the hospitality sector to help our industry recover
Restaurants, cafes and caterers are a lifeblood industry in the tourism sector. R&CA is fighting to ensure state and federal governments across Australia continue to invest in stimulus spending targeted to our sector to give our industry the best chance to survive through COVID.
Fighting against added regulation of our sector
Whether it is stricter menu labelling, new public holidays or complicated permits and licences. R&CA is opposed to any new measures across our country that would add cost, complexity and uncercentainty to our sector.
What do our members say about our advocacy?
"We have been in this industry for more than 30 years and have seen plenty of changes and developments. I have seen the Association evolve into a dynamic organisation during this period. What has always been a constant is that they are our collective voice and representative body of our industry. To have a voice to government you need to be a part of your Association."
Pelligrini's Espresso Bar
"Being a R&CA member has allowed my business to remain totally informed of any changes which are occurring in both the State and Federal levels of Government. We also have access to obtaining direct answers on how all of these changes will affect our business operation. Just knowing that we have that ability to ask the hard questions lets us focus on the day to day running of the venue."
Phil Crocker, Owner of Duende Tapas Bar
A key advocacy mechanism is the lodging of submissions to government and regulatory bodies relating to changes in legislation and regulation that impact our industry, which you can read by clicking the button below.
