Page 3514 - Week 13 - Thursday, 26 November 1992
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Madam Speaker, by any standard, tourism is such a major force in the economy that the committee decided to examine the role of the industry and, in particular, its potential for expansion, because adverse perceptions about Canberra are as likely as not to influence visitor numbers. The committee also resolved to look at the issue of Canberra bashing, so-called, which has become something of a national sport. Early in the inquiry it became clear to the committee that it could not examine the tourism potential in the ACT and associated issues without giving consideration to the broader Canberra region. In other words, the committee accepted that in respect of tourism, as with other economic and social issues, the ACT is not an island and that its tourism potential is as much a part of the south-east region of Australia as is the region's tourism potential for the ACT. Accordingly, the committee extended its inquiries to include wide-ranging discussions with tourism operators and others associated with the tourism industry in the ACT, the south-east region and elsewhere.
Madam Speaker, in May the committee had discussions in Brisbane which were specific to international tourism, perceptions about the ACT as a destination and issues relating to the convention trade. During September the committee visited industry representatives and regional tourism bodies in the alpine and south coast regions. The committee reported to the Assembly following both visits. In a public hearing in Canberra on 30 July, evidence was taken from 19 representatives of the tourism industry, community organisations and government departments. The committee also received 27 submissions from a wide cross-section of the industry and the community.
The inquiry has fallen naturally into two parts. On the one hand, the committee has focused on issues directly relevant to the ACT, and on the other it has discussed matters such as coordination and cooperation between the ACT and the south-east region. Tourism in the ACT and region also embraces a range of short- and long-term issues, and the committee has sought to assess these in reaching conclusions about the future course of the ACT industry. Madam Speaker, in the normal course the committee would report to the Assembly on the result of its inquiry, leaving it for the Government to respond to its recommendations. However, arising from the views and opinions it received during the course of its hearings and discussions, the committee was confronted with a range of options on how to develop tourism's full potential in contributing to the economy. The committee recognises that the various options would impact on the industry at different levels. Accordingly, the committee has decided to present preliminary conclusions and queries for public comment in the form of this discussion paper. The intention is to allow interested persons and organisations to put further views to the committee before it makes specific recommendations to the Assembly.
Madam Speaker, the committee also realises that the future challenges us and the industry. Significant events, such as centenary and federation celebrations, the spin-off from the Sydney Olympic Games bid, which will be debated at a later time today, and other forthcoming events, and above all perhaps even things like the 2002 Commonwealth Games, are some of the most important tourism challenges and opportunities before the ACT community in the next 10 years. Madam Speaker, the committee has put forward proposals for meeting these challenges. The discussion paper is an integral step in assisting the industry to participate in the expected growth in national tourism. Accordingly, Madam Speaker, the committee urges the industry and other interested persons to respond to the discussion paper by 26 February next year, before it makes its report to the Assembly. I commend the discussion paper to the Assembly.
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