Jason Wood (La Trobe, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for International Development and Pacific Island Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak about an exciting local business in my electorate doing incredible things when it comes to sustainable tourism: the GlamXperience in Pakenham. Their show yard is nothing short of a spectacular showcase of innovative tents, containers and domes that redefine camping as glamping. However, despite their enthusiasm and potential, they are facing significant hurdles from outdated and inconsistent regulations imposed by local councils but in particular forced by the state Labor government.

Recently, I met the owners of GlamXperience, Leon Juffermans and Sandra Juffermans, alongside representatives from Caravan and Residential Parks Victoria, to hear firsthand the challenges facing the glamping industry in Victoria. Their message was clear: Victoria is very much failing. Victoria is the only jurisdiction without adequate statewide regulations in this growing sector. Meanwhile, states like New South Wales have made simple regulation changes and are now reaping the benefits—more investment, more jobs and stronger regional tourism. The new 2024 regulations in Victoria fail to even formally classify glamping tents as movable dwellings, leading to inconsistent and confusing planning and building requirements across local areas right across Victoria. To the Victorian state Labor government: you need to stop making business so difficult for Victorians trying to make a living and make the lives of Victorians easier.