Local family-owned tour and charter bus operators have been financially stung by the Marshall Liberal Government’s decision to axe school camps, excursions and interschool sport competitions until at least week four of term one.

Joan Tingey and Belinda Tingey from A1 Tour and Charter have written to Premier Steven Marshall recently expressing their deep concerns and explaining the drastic negative impact the decision is having on their business and other small family-owned bus businesses.

Ms Tingey said since the decision was made, she has experienced almost $40,000 in booking cancellations which is a big revenue hit to their business.

“We have lost 100% of income after the Department for Education issued this blanket ban on school activities,” said Ms Tingey.

“As much as I understand this decision, I feel as though as a bus and coach operator that I have been put in an impossible and potentially irreversible downward spiral.”

“Just to make things worse, with the local tourism industry on its knees, we have had little or no tour bookings over December and January.”  

Ms Tingey said with rent, loan repayments and fuel bills due within seven days, she was asking the State Liberal Government to make a substantial announcement of financial support for the “recreational transport” sector before we lose our private bus/coach companies for good.

Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo said the business supports 6 local bus driving jobs, with 4 drivers already having been let go.

“While the business has been successful in gaining a $6,000 grant, which they appreciate and are grateful for, that only pays for two weeks of rent and wages.”

“This ad hoc decision making is killing small businesses in the area.”

“Our hospitals are in crisis, our CBD has come to almost a standstill and our small businesses are bleeding, which just demonstrates that the government had not properly planned or prepared the state for the opening of the state borders”.

“Our state can’t afford another industry to crash, so Premier Marshall has to come up with a better long term sustainable business support package.”