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As Australians go into work this morning, they have 123 million days of leave worth about $33 billion owing to them.
Unlocking that $33 billion would provide a substantial boost to Australia's economy over the coming year at a time when it is most needed.
Today we are launching a new campaign - 'No Leave No Life' - to encourage Australians - both employers and employees - to turn some of that accrued leave into a holiday here at home.
This campaign is about Australians getting behind the thousands of small businesses and the half a million jobs that are supported by our tourism industry.
Next week, the Government's stimulus package will deliver a worker's bonus of $900 to many Australians in time for the Easter holidays.
In these difficult times I hope all Australians will stop and think what they can do to kick our economy along and help keep the jobs of their fellow Australians.
A great Aussie holiday is a great start.
It is also an important part of winning the work/life battle for Australian workers and their families.
Australian holidays are opportunities to spend valuable time with family and friends and escape from the daily grind - whether visiting an attraction such as a theme park or the zoo, taking the family to a restaurant, or spending the weekend in the mountains or at the beach.
By encouraging staff to take their accrued leave, employers are sensibly managing and reducing their liabilities - and - at the same time, building a more productive, happier and healthier workplace.
The 'No Leave No Life' campaign will target both employers and employees to emphasise the importance of using leave entitlements.
And next Monday - April 6 - will be payday for many Australians when they receive their $900 Worker's Bonus.
Many families have already received their $950 bonus.
I want Australians to stop and think about taking a holiday at home.
And I want the Australian tourism industry to showcase its wares to Australian families and compete hard for their money.
The 'No Leave No Life' campaign will support the $20 million domestic marketing campaigns also being rolled out by the States and Territories.
'No Leave No Life' includes online and print advertising and it provides employers with a toolkit they can use in the workplace to manage accrued leave balances and engage their employees on this issue.
The States and Territories - and Tourism Australia's business partners - will be invited to engage in the campaign through the marketing prospectus which is being released today.
I want to encourage all Australians to think about the places in Australia they haven't seen yet, or the places they want to visit again, and then look at using some of their accrued leave to make that trip.
I'd like to think as part of this program we can start to see more Australians talking about the wonderful things they did in Broome instead of Bali or Kosciuszko instead of Canada.
In the current difficult economic climate, I know people will think of plenty of reasons not to use their accrued leave to holiday in Australia.
They might feel that taking a holiday demonstrates a lack of commitment to their workplace at a tough time for business.
That's why it's important for employers to get behind the program and demonstrate their support for a good work/life balance and leave-taking.
Those companies and workplaces that strive to provide a good work/life balance for their employees will be even better placed to come through these challenging times because they will have employees who are happier, healthier and more productive.
And for employees, they will be in a better position to help their employer manage the challenges of the current economic climate because they are taking their leave, taking a break and enjoying some of the tremendous diversity of what Australia has to offer.
I welcome the support so far from the business community, the public sector, and the union movement for this initiative and look forward to them all playing an active part in the roll-out of the program throughout Australian workplaces.
This is a very important initiative for the Australian tourism industry which is being buffeted by the impact of the global financial crisis.
There has never been a better time for Australians to holiday at home.
There are some great deals on offer and the current exchange rate means it makes sense to spend your money at home rather than overseas.
You'll not only have a wonderful holiday but know that you are helping to support the jobs of your fellow Australians in the tourism sector.
Australia has been very good at inviting the rest of the world to come and visit.
It's time for Australians to re-discover their own country by making sure they take a break and use their leave to holiday at home.
I am pleased to launch the 'No Leave, No Life' program, I thank you all for your support, and I encourage all Australians to get behind it.
Thank you.