Page 269 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 31 May 1989
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TOURISM INDUSTRY
MR WHALAN (Minister for Industry, Employment and Education) (10.44): I move:
That this Assembly:
(1) notes that the tourism industry provides enormous opportunities for growth and diversification of the ACT economy; and
(2) resolves to support sensible measures to ensure better promotion of the ACT as a tourist destination, and balanced development of the ACT's tourism infrastructure.
I welcome the opportunity to speak to this motion. The ACT Labor Government sees the local tourism industry as a very important element in Canberra's overall economic development. This Government rates employment creation as one of its highest priorities. It also rates consultation with industry and the community in policy formulation very highly. In pursuing policies aimed at the development of Canberra's tourism potential we will keep both employment generation and consultation to the forefront of our deliberations.
The local industry is on the move. The number of visits by domestic tourists to the ACT grew at an average rate of 8.5 per cent per year from 1980 to 1985. This is compared with a national growth of only 3 per cent. The tourism industry in the ACT stands at the threshold of a dynamic new era which holds the key to the Territory's future economic prospects. Tourism is undoubtedly Australia's most diverse industry. It is often difficult to come to grips with the extent of its economic impact.
The Bureau of Industry Economics calculated as far back as 1974 that tourism impacts on nearly every business in Canberra. From the Government's perspective the tourism industry comprises the accommodation, transport, attractions, restaurants, and entertainment sectors, travel agents and some retailers. However, lines are never clear. The rural producer who opens his home on weekends is also a member of this important industry. Indeed, I welcome the signs of new awareness in the ACT private sector that practically every area of economic activity is involved in some way in the tourist industry.
Tourism is a 24 hours a day, seven days a week industry which consists of a predominance of small businesses, despite growing investment by large companies. It relies on minimal direct financial assistance or regulation from government. Its impacts are broad ranging, involving economic, social and environmental considerations.
To put the size of the tourism industry into context, we need to realise that it is Australia's fastest growing industry and now outstrips all other export earners with the exception of coal. This in real terms means that some
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