United Workers Union condemns the Marshall Liberal Government decision to axe the incredibly popular Adelaide 500.
The event has been run for over two decades and has been an enormous driver of economic activity for South Australia.
The decision is a further blow to the Events, Hospitality and Accommodation sectors in South Australia already devastated by the impacts of Covid-19.
“While Covid-19 has had a huge impact on events globally, there are creative ways to continue events and their related employment opportunities,” United Workers Union SA state secretary Demi Pnevmatikos said.
“Both major football codes held their football finals last weekend and the Melbourne Cup is on Tuesday – showing just how short-sighted this decision is for Adelaide.”
Workers and businesses in the Events, Hospitality and Accommodation sectors have struggled to survive since March and had been looking forward to a return to some level of normal activity in 2021.
Their hopes have been dealt a blow by this cruel decision by an out-of-touch Government.
Workers in the Events sector had earlier this year been thrown on the scrap heap by this Government when they refused to step in and apply JobKeeper to workers at the Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Coopers Stadium.
The Adelaide 500 provides thousands of employment opportunities for South Australians and the economic footprint contributes over $45 million dollars to the state.
“The Marshall Liberal Government has turned its back on an event that has been the lifeblood for thousands of jobs,” Ms Pnevmatikos said.
“Stopping the Adelaide 500 comes at a time when workers and businesses need every bit of support they can get.
“This Government presided over the demise of Holden, they have lost West End beer and now the Adelaide 500.
“Workers who depend on a thriving jobs market are besieged by cuts and closures as this Government sucks the life out of the state.”
United Workers Union calls on the Marshall Liberal Government to reverse this cruel decision and support jobs in the Events, Hospitality and Accommodation Sectors.