Australia’s tourism minister Andrew Robb has hit back at opposition claims he tried to influence officials at Tourism Australia to feature his family restaurant in its latest international marketing campaign.
Calling the accusations ‘muck-raking,’ he has insisted there was no conflict of interest.
Robb said he disclosed his interest in the Boathouse restaurant at Sydney’s Palm Beach when appointed as minister a year ago.
"As such, the only relevant issue here is whether I have sought to influence in any way at any time, the approach of Tourism Australia towards this business. The answer to that question is an emphatic no," he said.
The restaurant is one of several eateries showcased in Tourism Australia’s latest AU$40 million state funded promotional campaign aimed at international food lovers entitled ‘Restaurant Australia.’
A spokesman for the minister said: "Mr Robb had nothing to do with the listing, full-stop, nor is he director of the business, for very good reason. Restaurant Australia is an industry-wide promotion with 1,700 businesses registered and around 800 businesses have been selected by Tourism Australia for a feature page."
