ATEC wades into T-QUAL grant fiasco

ATEC wades into T-QUAL grant fiasco
By admin


The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has entered the fray over the Government’s refusal to hand over grants awarded to almost 90 companies.

ATEC chairman John King said he was “very concerned” at the uncertainty being created by a Coalition review of all discretionary grants approved by the previous Labor administration.

ATEC has met with officials from the trade and investment ministry but received little in the way of clarity.

Travel Today revealed on Monday that 89 operators and organsations were awarded T-QUAL grants totaling $8.5 million back in July to help develop and expand their businesses.

King said he was concerned at the tone of a letter sent by trade and investment minister Andrew Robb “which failed to provide any certainty on the delivery of promised grants”.

In an update to its members, ATEC said withholding payments is “creating a worrying situation for those who have moved in anticipation of the funding”.

“With many operators waiting on a response from Government and, understandably, expecting this funding to be forthcoming, ATEC is very concerned about the length of time it is taking to clarify the situation,” King said.

“We urge the Government to move quickly to resolve this impasse and provide advice to industry operators on the future of their projects. The Government must understand these businesses simply can’t afford this indecisiveness.”

In a letter to the National Tourism Alliance dated October 29, Robb reiterated that all discretionary grants are under review.

“Part of this process will involve approval by the Ministry for Finance, Austrade and the Department of Finance in dealing with this as a matter of priority,” he wrote. “I hope to provide further information to the tourism industry in the coming weeks.”

In addition to the T-QUAL grants, the review also covers the Tourism Industry Regional Development Fund Grants Program (TIRF).

Latest News

  • Conferences

Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau

The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]

  • Destinations

Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents

World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]

  • Cruise

Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25

Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]

  • Cruise

PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC 

Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]

  • Products

Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun

If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]