In this issue, the Caravan Industry Association of Australia reflects on the upcoming federal election and highlights the critical role of caravanning in regional Australia.
Federal elections are always an interesting time. They pose periods of uncertainty as parties identify their best path to victory but also spur your individual thinking around what the future could look like. As I sit here pondering this year’s federal election, it leaves me with a couple of questions. As the CEO of Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA), I wonder about how the industry is viewed in the halls of power, and how important caravanning is in the broader industrial contribution to Australia.
I mean, I know the figures — $27 billion of economic contribution, no small figure — but is it enough for its capabilities to be considered important by policy makers?
As I mull this over, I’m reminded that we are one of the largest sovereign vehicle manufacturing industries remaining in the country, if not the largest. In 2017, we saw the last of large-scale manufacturing in the country — largely driven out by large costs to produce. I wish I could say that the environment for manufacturing in this country has improved since then, but sadly that would be incorrect. We’ve seen decisions by the people in power that have actively flown in the face of nurturing manufacturing in this country in any area other than what I refer to as the ‘sexy six’. We’ve seen policies and funds roll out under the guise of rebuilding Australia; policies enacted to move us towards an environment where we can dominate manufacturing once again. All this is done while ignoring industries that are currently manufacturing — the grassroot industries that are keeping this country going.
I get to see firsthand every day the impact our industry has — not just on travellers, but on small businesses, local jobs and entire communities. Caravanning has been part of the Aussie way of life for more than a century, and today it’s bigger than ever, supporting everyone from caravan builders and repairers to park owners and small-town cafe operators. With nearly 90 per cent of caravanning trips ending up in a regional area, chances are the money you spend on a holiday goes directly towards a community that gets hit harder with cost of living than any metro area. I’ve met cafe owners who tell me hand on heart: “If it weren’t for caravanners, we’d have shut down years ago.” I’ve spoken to servo operators who rely on road-trippers to get through the quiet months. And let’s not forget about the people behind the scenes — the 50,000+ industry workers who make it all possible. Each and every one of those people depends on the success of our industry, which is why it’s so critical that the government works with us to secure the road ahead.
Yet, despite our contributions, our industry continues to be overlooked in key policy discussions. The question is: Why? Why does a $27 billion industry that sustains regional economies, supports jobs and keeps Australian manufacturing alive continue to see policies rolled out that actively go against our own best interests? We have no objection to supporting policies such as future fuels transition and new energy horizons, these are a must. In order for Australians to continue to support our beautiful environment we need to ensure we protect it. In saying this, we cannot abandon the industries that have got us to the strong economic position that we currently enjoy.
The past three years have been challenging as we have seen costs rise across the board for all Australians, the cost to do business has also increased — energy, insurance and wage costs have seen businesses operating on the smell of an oily rag. If ever there was an opportune time for government and private enterprise to come together to, to work on how to reduce costs for business and therefore reduce costs for all Australians, the time is now. To work on ways of making industry more effective and efficient in times when the operating environment around them has seen anything but.
In recent times we have seen the success of the recently finalised Caravan Park Infrastructure Grants, where more than 100 parks received critical funding to introduce new projects which support their communities and the travelling public. The grants were an overwhelming success with high industry interest and much needed investment to regional tourism. This is just one example of how industry and government can work together to deliver positive outcomes for the country. We need long-term vision for our industry, and we’re ready to answer the call once government comes to the table.
As we head into this federal election, it is an opportune time to reflect on how we got to being the country we are today; and it’s time to take a hard look at what industries like ours bring to the table. We need real practical announcements that support local manufacturing, investment in regional infrastructure which will not only benefit the industry but also caravanners and road-trippers, recognising the vital role we play in keeping regional Australia thriving. It’s time to step up, invest and ensure that caravanning continues to thrive — for travellers, for communities and for the future of Australia.
Because when we support caravanning, we don’t just support an industry. We support Australia.
Stuart Lamont
Chief Executive Officer
THE NEXT STEP
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