I was reading in
an Australian Newspaper recently. The Australian Government
is quite concerned at the amount of Australians now working and
living permanently overseas. Which now stands at 1 million. One
twentieth of our population. Put in perspective if in the USA that
is 12.5 million,
China, 50 million approx.
What the government has not taken into account or maybe they have
but
not mentioned, which is not unusual for governments, is that this is
the
official registered Australians around the world. What is not taken
into
account is the professionals that have not officially registered
with Australian Embassies in the particular country they are
working.
I don't know about you, however, whilst working in Southern Africa,
Europe, Pacific and Japan I did not register and I know quite a few
don't. So add a
good 50% on top of the Government Official number and now they
should be concerned. Very concerned.
That is a big brain drain.
So an enquiry and conference is to be convened to find out why.
Initial findings put two items at the top of the list and not
surprisingly are:
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TAX |
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LACK OF QUALITY OPPORTUNITIES HERE OR IF RETURNING |
As
said before in previous newsletters, regarding the hospitality
industry in Australia, it's a lovely place to live, life style
wise but returning hospitality professionals should remember the
above.
The tax has changed since you were here last, it has got higher!
More tax and more levies.
For new hospitality professionals who have received their
residency, being
a General Manager or F&B Director for example does not give an
automatic
entry into the same position here. Not because we don't love you,
unless
the Indians win the limited over cricket finals this week.
We are a large country but compared to most of the rest of the
world
the amount of quality large and small boutique properties is
limited.
We have a small population and are really an end destination, not
an
international hub.
Senior Managers know this. So to leave a GM position or senior
hotel position
and then look for another senior position in Australia can be very
daunting,
hence the migration of quite a few very qualified hotel
professionals overseas.
Living and working in Sydney and paying top marginal tax rate of
48.2%
not taking into account land tax, 10% GST, levies, tolls etc puts
your
rate well over the 50%
And unlike overseas 95% of General Managers do not live in.
The hospitality industry is a quality operation in Australia and a
very large employer, but unless something is done to rectify the
above, the percentage
of Australians living and working overseas will only increase.
Speaking to General Managers, HR Managers and Group GMs in
Australia is
that there is a definite shortage of quality in the industry. The
temptation
of US net dollars around the world and the amount of quality
positions
available OS is proving our Achilles heel.
Quite simply drop the marginal tax rate 12 %
As Hospitality is one of Australia's largest employers, more
emphasis should
be put on this area , not just a band aid approach until the next
government
gets in.
Ahhhhh, there's nothing wrong with dreaming!
Until next newsletter "Gum Ba Te".
Best Regards,
Stuart Mullins
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