Page 176 - Week 02 - Thursday, 25 May 1989
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The ACT economy does not rely wholly on tourism, nor should it, but it is an important part of our present and future economy and our economic growth. It is currently estimated to be contributing about $370m to the ACT economy annually and employs about 8,000 people. So, it is a most important aspect of the ACT's economy as well as of Australia's economy. It is a labour intensive industry so it generates good employment opportunities. It is an industry in which we can create jobs, particularly for young people just coming into the labour force. The ACT has had a particular problem with our youth unemployment level which is slightly in excess of the national level, if my memory serves me. Therefore, an industry which is labour intensive and which can pick up those young people and give them a career is one which is very valuable to the ACT economy.
The important thing in the ACT at the moment is that we actually market tourism better, which is the key. We are in a very competitive area here. You will all know that there are competing tourism attractions throughout Australia and throughout this part of the world and that the ACT has to compete in a real way with those other attractions. We are looking at a marketing program for tourism in the ACT. I believe that it is time that we took the initiative in this matter, but that does not mean that any funds that were allocated would be used in an indiscriminate way.
I have asked the Deputy Chief Minister, Paul Whalan, to have a comprehensive marketing strategy prepared which will analyse the potential market and the kinds of activities that are required to promote the ACT in those markets. We certainly will not be relying solely on taxpayers' funds for that marketing strategy, and we will be holding discussions with the tourism industry more generally with a view to developing some cooperative mechanisms with them on the question of marketing the ACT.
Over the past couple of years there has been quite a major investment in tourism infrastructure in the Territory. The new convention centre that is due to open shortly will have the potential to deliver millions of dollars to the ACT economy. The convention centre must be regarded as a tourism venture. It is absolutely vital that the Government supports the private sector's promotion of tourism, the private sector's initiatives in the tourism area, and that we support its confidence in tourism as an
industry that has a really great future in the ACT.
SCHOOLS WORKING PARTY
MR HUMPHRIES: Can the Minister for Industry, Employment and Education confirm that a culture of service working party has been established within the ACT Schools Authority; can the Minister advise the Assembly of the working party's terms of reference, and will the working
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