The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is concerned by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union's (RTBU) decision to take industrial action during the 2020 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
As one of the biggest sporting events on the calendar, the Grand Prix attracts hundreds of thousands of international visitors each year, promoting Melbourne and Victoria to the world and generating significant economic, social and cultural benefits to the State.
Victoria and Victorian tourism, already reeling under the weight of bushfires and the Coronavirus, cannot afford either the reputational or economic damage associated with unnecessary disruption to Melbourne's tram services.
Reliable, efficient public transport is key to ensuring our visitors come, stay and enjoy their experience at major events like the Grand Prix.
VTIC therefore supports the Andrews Labor Government's move to lodge an application with the Fair Work Commission to terminate or suspend the RTBU protected industrial action, in a bid to protect the Grand Prix and ensure Victorians and visitors can get to the track safely.
Melbourne's transport network is already under pressure from significant population growth. Network disruption is taking place due to the Metro Tunnel and Level Crossing Removal projects. While this disruption is unavoidable, strike action is, and VTIC calls on the RTBU to return in good faith to the negotiating table before more harm is caused.
