MEDIA RELEASE
THE AUSTRALIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER FOR TRADE
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NEW YEAR MESSAGE FOR CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH:
TOURISM VITAL IN 1997
Speaking on the last day of 1996, Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the National Party said he hopes 1997 sees continued growth in the economy, particularly in rural and regional areas.
"Prospects are good for many, but not all, primary industries and prospects are also good for the inbound tourism industry which helps many regional areas," Mr Fischer said.
"It is to be hoped the grain industry will have an equally productive 1997 but with improved prices. Meanwhile the dairy industry and the wine industry continue to go from strength to strength, especially with their export efforts.
"Wool, beef and citrus are overdue for an upswing, and the federal government has already made a number of key decisions to help through my colleague the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy, John Anderson.
Tourism
"The multibillion dollar impact of the inbound tourism industry should not be underestimated - it helps to create and sustain jobs right across Australia.
"Tourism is now boosting many places large and small from the traditional and somewhat regimented triangular route of Sydney - Ayres Rock - Cairns, to the tiny triangular route of Tooma - Tumbarumba - Tumut on the western side of the Great Dividing Range.
"Many country centres are now latching on to tourism, both international inbound and domestic, and finding tourism to be a solid boost to the local economy.
"With over 4 million people coming to Australia in 1996 and over 12 million more between now and the Sydney Olympics, Australia must give tourism the priority it deserves and rate the industry accordingly."
Mr Fischer said that EMDG amending legislation due to go before Parliament in the Autumn session will give the Australian tourism industry full rate access to the EMDG scheme for the first time.
"I wish everyone a happy new year and urge everyone to be nice to our tourists," Mr Fischer added.
Tuesday 31 December 1996