The Accommodation Association of Australia has recommended business practice changes for Australia’s accommodation operators as part of the Modern Award Review.

Australian accommodation providers “should not have to pay for more than one public holiday in any pay period (fortnight) and not more than two in any month”, according to Accommodation Association of Australia chief executive Richard Munro.

“There are increasing incidences in our industry of accommodation operators either restricting the opening hours of restaurants or closing them altogether because they cannot afford the cost of wages,” Mr Munro said.
   
“Overseas tourists in particular come to expect high levels of service when they visit Australia, but the current award is placing this expectation at risk.”
  
Mr Munro said the issue was prominent in regional and country areas.

“The Accommodation Association does not support abolishing penalty rates and public holidays - we are seeking relief given the current situation is unsustainable for small businesses,” Mr Munro said.