National Convention Centre, Canberra
Friday, 29 February 2008
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As Minister for Tourism, it is a privilege to be here at Australia's premier tourism awards.
This is your night of nights and I would like to extend my gratitude to Qantas for their continuing sponsorship of these awards, and to the National Tourism Alliance for organising them.
This is the night when we come together to celebrate the great achievements of the past year and recognise those who have made excellence their standard.
The awards process means that we are truly acknowledging the best of the best and it is vital to the industry that we encourage and promote excellence.
As everyone in this room would know, you have to be on top of your game every day of the year as the challenges never let up – neither do the opportunities.
With that in mind I urge you to look at Tourism Australia's website to download the report Through the Looking Glass – the Future of Domestic Tourism in Australia.
I launched the report this morning and it provides an important forecast of tourism in Australia – an industry that contributes more than $38 billion to our GDP.
Tourism is also a key driver of growth and investment, especially in rural and regional Australia, where 46 per cent of that $38 billion is spent.
More important is that fact you employ more than 460,000 people.
It is at events like this that the true scope of the industry, and what it represents, is revealed.
When you look at the 25 categories being honoured tonight – and the range of businesses within those 25 categories – you get an instant snapshot of why the Australian tourism industry is so important.
Tonight's nominees come from every corner of Australia, illustrating not just what we offer the world but who we are – our history and our culture.
I only have a brief window tonight but I want you to know that the Australian Government values your industry – that's why we've brought the portfolio responsibility into Cabinet … where it belongs.
I know I will be seeing many of you throughout the year as we consult on programs to benefit and grow your industry, and I look forward to working with you for many years to come.
I would like to close by thanking all of you – not only for the massive contribution to the Australian economy and the lives of those who work in the industry but also for the enormous contribution you make to Australia, Australians and our quality of life.