Page 1277 - Week 05 - Thursday, 25 June 1992
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TOURISM AND A.C.T. PROMOTION - STANDING COMMITTEE
Discussions in Brisbane
MR DE DOMENICO, by leave: Madam Speaker, I am pleased to make a statement regarding the Standing Committee on Tourism and ACT Promotion's recent discussions in Brisbane. As the Assembly is aware, the committee is currently inquiring into the contribution made by tourism to the ACT economy, the potential for expanding tourism, the interrelationship between the ACT and the region in marketing and promoting tourism, and measures to counter adverse publicity about the ACT. The Assembly is aware of the full terms of reference. Written submissions have been invited from interested persons and organisations by 29 June, and the committee's present intention is to hold public hearings during July. This statement serves to remind the ACT community and especially the operators, organisations and employees involved with the tourism industry that the inquiry offers them a significant opportunity to put their views to committee members, who are approaching the issues with completely open minds. It goes without saying that the committee's understanding of industry imperatives, problems and opportunities can be given full credence only if those within the industry and those on the periphery who depend on tourism are prepared to put their views to the committee.
For its part, the committee, in seeking to expand its knowledge and understanding of the issues which stimulate and drive tourism, is making full use of whatever opportunities arise in discussing with the industry and other experts how to maximise the tourism potential in the ACT and the region. Two members of the committee, Mr Lamont and I, were in Brisbane on 28 May in connection with other Assembly business. We were joined there by the third member, Ms Szuty, for discussions with Brisbane-based industry representatives on 29 May. Those discussions were of considerable benefit to the committee.
In the course of the day meetings were held with the Queensland Tourism Industry Association, the Queensland Tourism Commission, the Brisbane Visitors and Convention Centre, and the New South Wales Travel Centre. In addition, Madam Speaker, the committee met with the new Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Alderman Jim Soorley. Although this was essentially a courtesy call, the meeting extended for more than 45 minutes and covered a range of issues relevant to the committee's work. The committee appreciated the Lord Mayor's generosity with both his time and his comments.
From what can only be described as an extremely fruitful discussion with a very professional group of Brisbane tourism people, a number of matters arise which will form a basis for the committee's focus on ACT tourism. There is a long list of them, Madam Speaker, so I will not bore the Assembly; but this statement will be available. The committee was heartened to note the positive perceptions of the ACT and region held by those we met. While accepting that the ACT is competing with Queensland for the tourist dollar, nevertheless our Brisbane contacts recognised that the States and regions must cooperate in attracting inbound tourism. In that regard the committee observed a genuine desire by relevant organisations to see the ACT and region developed to its full potential.
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