Election 2025: Unions and bosses clash as ACTU seeks $41 a week increase for low-paid
The Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association said the increase should be limited to a below-inflation 2 per cent rise, warning its members “cannot absorb wage increases without price hikes”.
“The minimum wage increase should not be viewed as a performance increase, rather as a cost-of-living increase, thus should not outpace future inflation under any circumstance.”
“A Seat at the Table”: Stokehouse’s General Manager on the State of Hospo – and the Group Lending a Hand
With the cost of living – and doing business – still in crisis, Hugh Van Haandel sees an industry that needs more support than ever. In partnership with the Australian Restaurant & Cafe Association, he tells us how they’re working towards a better future for everyone in hospitality.
‘Won’t make a difference’: What can the $5 tax cut really get you?
With a small coffee costing $4.88 for a hospo business to make in 2025, is the Albanese government’s $5 a week tax cut of any help to Aussies, or is it very “underwhelming”, as a top economist has claimed? It certainly won’t buy you a sanga and milkshake.
#67: Building an Advocacy Powerhouse: Wes Lambert’s Recipe for Association Advocacy
In this episode, Olena Lima chats with Wes Lambert to uncover his bold strategies, sharp focus, and unwavering determination in association advocacy. Wes has been making waves in Australia’s restaurant and café sector, achieving policy wins in just 10 months that others have chased for decades.
Melbourne hospitality sector ‘fighting for life’ amid remote work shift
Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association chief executive Wes Lambert reported up to 30% revenue drops from pre-COVID levels. “Demand for restaurants and cafes has remained flat since 2023,” he said.
New evidence of Victoria’s hospitality industry bearing the brunt of cost-of-living crisis
Labor ‘not listening’ to small businesses around Australia
Australian Restaurant and Café Association CEO Wes Lambert says Labor is “not listening” to small businesses around Australia.
In Question Time yesterday, Labor went on the attack against the Coalition’s plan to provide small businesses with tax breaks for work-related entertainment and meals.
Tax-free tipping: Restaurant lobby wants tips treated like lottery winnings
Tips paid to restaurant staff should be tax-free and treated the same way as lotto winnings, the Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association says, as diners pay growing sums to reward exceptional service.
Despite rising prices, Australians are tipping more
Australians tipped more and at a greater frequency in 2024 as metropolitan customers led a wave of increased generosity that defied overall spending restraint driven by cost-of-living pressures.
The average tip in Australia rose to $25.20 in 2024, according to data compiled from more than 75,000 Australian businesses using electronic payment system Zeller. This was a 25 per cent increase from 2023 ($20.20), with the state capitals leading the surge as regional customers pulled back on giving gratuities in 2024.
ARCA on Steve Price Sky News
