Senate debates

Tuesday, 23 November 2021

Questions without Notice

COVID-19: National Plan

2:13 pm

Photo of Michaelia CashMichaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

In terms of tourism, in the financial year 2018-19 Australia actually generated $60.8 billion in direct tourism gross domestic product, and the industry itself directly employed over 670,000 Australians. Forty-four cents of every tourism dollar is spent in regional Australia, and that is obviously a very, very good thing for our regional friends. That is why safely reopening Australia is just so important not just for our major capital cities but also holiday destinations like Coffs Harbour and Port Douglas.

The Singapore safe travel zone actually commenced its opening on 21 November. We are now welcoming eligible travellers into Australia from Singapore. As we know, with the announcement by the Prime Minister, on 1 December we will welcome citizens from Japan and Korea. Again, we are safely reopening, and in doing so we are welcoming people back to Australia. (Time expired)

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