Open Letter to Mark McGowan

Dear Premier,

This letter intends to highlight several areas of severe concern for the Western Australian hospitality industry – while also shining a light on several other ‘sister’ industries including arts, tourism, entertainment and retail.

I own and operate several hospitality venues within the Perth CBD under the Sneakers & Jeans brand banner, including Pirate Life Perth, Caballitos, The Flour Factory, Goody Two’s, Hadiqa, TOMA and Varnish on King.

Up until recently, my businesses employed 150+ staff. Sadly, more than 70% of our workforce had to be stood down last month due to significant downturn in trade as a result of WA’s COVID-19 alarmism, restrictions, confusion, uncertainties and inconsistent directions. In addition, there are added costs to manage and enforce the government restrictions and mandates. How long are we expected to continue in this vain? It is impossible to sustain the current situation which is causing considerable distress and other consequences.

In business, if we can clearly understand what we are up against and what we are required to do – we can at least plan and attempt to address some of the consequences. We then have an opportunity to manoeuvre, pivot, make changes – but more importantly we, as employers, can support and empower staff, colleagues, peers, friends, family etc.

Clear direction is critical. Transparency is key. Consultation is essential. None of this is happening.

Since late December 2020 we have been blindly navigating the crippling impact this pandemic and restrictions are having on our industries which have been major contributors to the culture, community and the economy of WA.

Businesses in the hospitality and related industries in WA have invested hundreds of millions of dollars and decades of resources into developing world-class services and facilities for the benefit of the whole State, but as of yet we have: