Minister to focus on jobs and opportunities in tourism

3/2/06
Western Australia's new Tourism Minister Sheila McHale says her priority is to further develop the benefits which the tourism industry can bring to the State's economy.
Ms McHale said tourism helped create a diversified economy with jobs and opportunities that reached all corners of WA.
"This is an exciting time to become Minister for Tourism," she said.
"Our Government is very serious about growing the tourism industry."
The Minister said her other portfolios of Culture and the Arts and Indigenous Affairs would complement her tourism responsibilities.
"The three areas provide great opportunities and synergies for economic and social development," she said.
"Tourism is a massive economic driver for WA and is crucially important to our State's development. "
Ms McHale said she was impressed with the energy and passion of the tourism industry.
"Ensuring Tourism Western Australia's capacity to undertake successful marketing campaigns in our key countries will be one of my first priorities," she said.
"The 'Real Australia' campaign appears to be achieving results and looks set to continue to gain momentum and recognition.
"Our Government's Landbank proposal is looking at innovative ways to cut red tape, attract new investment to WA and boost infrastructure to support marketing.
"I want to ensure we have the capacity to keep up with and move ahead in the use of the Internet as a source of tourism information."
Minister's office - 9213 6900