Restaurants concerned wage rises will place industry “under great pressure”

http://www.ausfoodnews.com.au
Isobel Drake

The leading industry body for the restaurant sector is worried about the potential impact of the Award Modernisation proposal on the industry next year.

“It is disappointing … that we are under great pressure from Australian Government reforms that could see the end of our industry, particularly in New South Wales,” CEO John Hart said this week.

The restaurant industry is slated for massive change in 2010, Mr Hart suggested, when wage costs (in NSW for a business open weekends and in the evening) will go up by at least 15%.

In brighter news, the industry body was delighted with the recognition of three of Australia’s restaurants in the extended list of 100 restaurants at the renowned S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurant awards.

“Having presented yesterday at a Senate Inquiry defending the industry against a $150 - $250 Million impost through Award Modernisation - it is great to see that the industry is still performing,” Mr Hart proclaimed.

Restaurant & Catering Australia congratulated Tetsuya’s restaurant, Quay restaurant and Pier restaurant for making it onto “The S Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2008″ list. Tetsuya’s restaurant was placed at number 17 and Quay restaurant at number 46, while Pier restaurant - at number 94 - made it onto the extended list of 100.

“This is not really that surprising,” Mr Hart suggested. “We have the magic trifecta of ‘the most creative restaurateurs, the best produce and, of course, the friendliest staff in the world’.”