Fed: Tourism industry warns of marginal seat campaign

AAP General News (Australia)
04-23-2001
Fed: Tourism industry warns of marginal seat campaign

Tourism authorities say the industry is set to become an election issue with leaked
documents revealing a cabinet committee decision to knock back a $10 million overseas
marketing program.

Tourism Task Force chief executive CHRIS BROWN says it is vital the federal government
provides more funds to promote Australia overseas.

He says the government and Opposition should be warned they will see a much more politicised
industry in the next six months.

The federal Opposition today released a briefing paper from cabinet's Expenditure Review
Committee, rejecting the Australian Tourist Commission's bid for extra funding.

The ATC had asked for an extra $10 million over three years for a program to draw more
international travellers to Australia, in the wake of the Sydney Olympics.

Mr BROWN has admitted the funding rejection is not yet set in stone.

He's called on Tourism Minister JACKIE KELLY and the industry's cabinet representative
Senator NICK MINCHIN to present a stronger front.

A spokesman for Ms KELLY has declined to comment on the leaked documents.

AAP RTV ch/jhm/jtb/mjm

KEYWORD: BUDGET TOURISM (BRISBANE)

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