Users Letters and Opinion

Sir

As more and more Australians are abandoning plans for an overseas trip and opting for a local holiday in response to the global economic gloom, a silver lining to an otherwise grey cloud is being offered.

The only problem is that the Government has either not fully seen this or has downgraded the significance of the Australian Tourism Industry.

Spending in the May Budget was about $5.9 million down on the previous year and Tourism Australia, our peak tourism promotional body had its budget cut by about $8 million. Then there's almost another $billion in extra taxes that will impact on the industry already in significant decline before the Budget was set.

I now find that the Government has approved a subscription fee for the supposed Imparja 'free to air' satellite TV that many caravanners rely upon when travelling.

Further, if they lose the connection, it will cost them another $33 for reconnection - all with the blessing of the Government.

Now tell me that this is a government that wants to support local industry.

Joanna Gash MP (Mrs)

Federal Member for Gilmore

PS. Mrs Gash is a former NSW Tourism Regional Manager and former Shadow Minister for Roads Tourism.

Walter Styke

Office Manager/Policy

Office of Joanna Gash MP

Federal Member for Gilmore

Ph 4423 1782 Fax 4423 1785

Sir

As more and more Australians are abandoning plans for an overseas trip and opting for a local holiday in response to the global economic gloom, a silver lining to an otherwise grey cloud is being offered.

The only problem is that the Government has either not fully seen this or has downgraded the significance of the Australian Tourism Industry.

Spending in the May Budget was about $5.9 million down on the previous year and Tourism Australia, our peak tourism promotional body had its budget cut by about $8 million. Then there's almost another $billion in extra taxes that will impact on the industry already in significant decline before the Budget was set.

I now find that the Government has approved a subscription fee for the supposed Imparja 'free to air' satellite TV that many caravanners rely upon when travelling.

Further, if they lose the connection, it will cost them another $33 for reconnection - all with the blessing of the Government.

Now tell me that this is a government that wants to support local industry.

Joanna Gash MP (Mrs)

Federal Member for Gilmore

PS. Mrs Gash is a former NSW Tourism Regional Manager and former Shadow Minister for Roads Tourism.

Walter Styke

Office Manager/Policy

Office of Joanna Gash MP

Federal Member for Gilmore

Ph 4423 1782 Fax 4423 1785

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Garth Morrison
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