Industry welcomes new Tourism Minister
The Australian Tourism Export Council has today welcomed the appointment of the Member for Newcastle, Jodi McKay, as the tourism Minister for the new NSW Government.
ATEC Managing Director Matt Hingerty said he congratulated the new Minister and was confident that Ms McKay would continue the recent good work carried out by the previous Government in starting the process of reinvigorating the $23 billion NSW tourism industry.
Mr Hingerty said ATEC would be seeking a close consultative relationship with the new Minister as with her predecessor, Matt Brown. He said that the industry wished to work with her to protect the $40m additional tourism funding announced in the response to the O’Neill Report from any potential Budget cuts.
“Jodi McKay is receiving her portfolio at an exciting time for the tourism industry,†Mr Hingerty said. “While factors such as high fuel costs, the high dollar, the labour shortage and international competition are producing challenging business conditions, there are also many opportunities for those who are willing to innovate.â€
“After extended consultation with tourism industry players, including ATEC, the previous Government finally produced a plan to get tourism back on the front foot. MsMcKay will be encouraged to carry out the recommendations and reforms suggested in the O’Neill Report and once again promote NSW as one of the premier tourist destinations in Australia,†Mr Hingerty said.
“I look forward to meeting with and advising the new Minister, and hope that ATEC can assist her wherever possible.â€
Mr Hingerty also paid tribute to outgoing tourism Minister Matt Brown, who is being promoted to the Police portfolio. He thanked Mr Brown for listening to the tourism industry during the review period for the O’Neill Report and securing the extra $40m in funding for tourism promotion.
“Matt Brown gave the NSW tourism industry a short in the arm when it needed it the most,†Mr Hingerty said. “His enthusiasm and drive to fix what was wrong has left his successor with a solid legacyâ€.
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