South-west travel agents push for fix to 'inequitable' consumer travel support program

Three agents from Warrnambool and Portland met with Mr Tehan on Tuesday to raise concerns about the consumer travel support program and the need for ongoing assistance as international borders remain closed.

Helloworld Travel Portland owner Darren Baker said the agents believed the reporting process was "flawed" because businesses in similar financial circumstances could receive different amounts based on how accounting was done in 2019.

"The thing is the figure they use can be reported three different ways, all of which are entirely legal, the figure itself should never have been how the grant amount was determined," Mr Baker said.

Mr Tehan, also Wannon's MP, told The Standard he was aware of the issue but failed to comment further on Thursday.

It's understood the support, which began in December, has already started to roll out to some travel agents.

Mr Baker said he was "comfortable" Mr Tehan was "informed of the inequity in the grant system".

"He is now aware of the short comings," he said. "I am sure he will try and resolve that."

Mr Baker said less than five people had approached his business with requests to fly internationally in the past 10 months.

Mr Baker remained optimistic amid reports that international travel might not resume this year.

"It is far too early for anyone to be making the call the entire year will be written off. The vaccine hasn't started yet, it's too early to see the impact it will have internationally."

"I think we just need to wait and see what happens towards the end of the year."

He said in the meantime he was booking some domestic travel, but "yo-yo border" closures were harming confidence.

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