Bob Baldwin (Paterson, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources) Share this | Hansard source

In the moments that are left before the expiration of time, can I simply say that we all agree that Tim Fischer did a tremendous job and he is a well regarded Australian. He is highly thought of. The process of managing departments, even statutory authorities, is often difficult. It is a new department that has taken new directions. I am sure that the direction and the implementation of ideas from not only the overall Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources but also Tourism Australia and the ministers’ offices is what is delivering the outcomes we require from Tourism Australia and in particular our broader tourism market.

We will stand our ground on where we are going with Tourism Australia, on the market penetrations we will achieve with this new, adventurous marketing campaign. I think the minister is doing an outstanding job. It is never easy going out and fighting for new market share when you have people who do nothing but criticise Australia. We only need to look at Sharan Burrow’s expose in the international market, putting down Australia, reflecting on Australia. What effect does the member think that will have on international tourism coming to Australia?

Proposed expenditure agreed to.

Department of the Environment and Water Resources

Proposed expenditure, $2,025,757,000.

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