David Leyonhjelm (NSW, Liberal Democratic Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Acting Leader of the Government in the Senate and the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, Senator Brandis. The cruise industry is the fastest-growing sector of the tourism industry and is currently worth $1 billion a year to the economy. During the summer cruising season, there are severe limitations on berths on the eastern side of the Harbour Bridge in Sydney Harbour, Australia's most popular port and my home town. As a consequence, some cruise lines have stopped sending cruise ships to Australia. My understanding is that the Navy has berths at Garden Island that are not always fully utilised. I also understand the tourism industry has been seeking access to Garden Island for cruise liners for five years. Given that the berthing of each cruise ship means an average one million dollars a day for the Sydney economy, does the minister agree it would be in Australia's interests for the tourism industry's needs to be accommodated?