Eleven press releases and no policy – LNP fails QLD tourism
Posted by editor (editor) on Jul 22 2009
2009 >>

Tourism and Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said he was disappointed that the LNP did not use today’s budget estimates hearing to announce their tourism job protection policy.

“Ray Stevens has had four months to prepare a tourism jobs protection plan yet all we have seen is eleven press releases,” Mr Lawlor said.

“At the last election we saw the LNP offer a press release as their tourism policy.

“Their commitments were unfunded and poorly thought-out including decisions that would have cost the state airlines and air services.

“The LNP have remained true-to-form and again paid the Queensland tourism industry nothing more than lip service.”

Minister Lawlor suggested the LNP should stop handballing the tourism portfolio to party troublemakers to keep them quiet.

“The LNP needs to take tourism seriously and present a plan that can be fitted on more than one A4 page in 16 point font.

“If Mr Langbrook wants to prove he is doing more than just warming the seat for Lawrence Springborg he should direct Ray Stevens to do more than just write press releases.”

Mr Lawlor said the current international tourism trends are showing nearly every country and region has suffered a dramatic loss in holidaymakers.

“The Bligh Government has a ten-year plan for tourism and as we fight our way out of these tough times we will invest an additional $36million in the industry.

“While other governments are cutting their investment in tourism the Bligh Government is refusing to turn its back on Queenslanders.

“While the private sector has pulled back on tourism investment the Bligh Government has kept its foot to the floor building new attractions like the $60million Gold Coast AFL Stadium, cruise ship terminals, convention centres and roadside drive tourism facilities.

“The Bligh Government is firmly committed to Queensland’s tourism industry and as Tourism Minister I am dedicated to fighting for every tourist and tourism dollar.”

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 3:58 PM