“The new ministry is well informed and ready to support tourism’s future”: Peak industry bodies welcome Australia’s new PM
![“The new ministry is well informed and ready to support tourism’s future”: Peak industry bodies welcome Australia’s new PM](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
The industry’s peak bodies have welcomed the new government after Anthony Albanese was sworn in as Australia’s 31st prime minister this morning alongside four senior ministers.
The Labor party quietly committed to a $48 million tourism and travel package last week to help rebuild the industry, including a $10 million injection in training and skills development for hospitality and accommodation.
Peter Shelley, managing director of the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), said the additional funding will be crucial in supporting travel businesses to reconnect with international markets and rebuild their workforce.
Shelley is looking forward to working alongside the Albanese government to help get the industry back on its feet.
“Over the past two years, ATEC has built a strong relationship with the Labor party, ensuring they are across the key issues being faced by our industry,” he said.
“We are confident the new ministry is well informed and ready to support tourism’s future.
“As an industry which delivered $45bn in revenue to our economy, export tourism is a valuable contributor which will help drive Australia’s future success.
“ATEC looks forward to meeting Australia’s new tourism minister to successfully build on the opportunities our industry offers.”
Ministerial portfolios are expected to be announced on 30 May, however, it is likely former shadow minister for tourism Senator Don Farrell will be Australia’s next Minister for Tourism.
The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has been working closely with Farrell, who is a long-standing and vocal champion of Australia’s Travel Agents.
According to AFTA CEO Dean Long, Farrell has consistently worked behind the scenes and been vocal on the floor of Parliament to push the need for ongoing support.
In a recent webinar, Farrell met with AFTA members and highlighted his focus on listening to the industry to find out how to best aid its recovery.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/283208991_416924190249706_8152248452540698395_n.jpeg)
Incoming Minister for Tourism, Senator Don Farrell, poses alongside former PM Julia Gillard and Australia’s new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong (image: Facebook/SenatorDonFarrell)
“Importantly, AFTA will continue our bipartisan approach as we need to make sure that all key decision-makers in our parliaments, federal, state and territory understand the challenges and the opportunities to support,” Long said.
“Travel and Tourism is a massive economic driver for the Australian economy and Australia’s travel businesses are key economic contributors within communities in every part of Australia. “Given the economic challenges facing us at a national, sector and community level, the involvement of the private sector in scoping and shaping the solution is more important than ever before.”In April, Farrell told AFTA members he made the decision early on that Labor wouldn’t “score political points” from an industry that was hurting as badly as travel.
“Where possible we have done the best we could to support the government in practical decisions and pushing them to make those decisions as early as they could,” he said.
“What I have done in the last 18 months or so is listen to the industry to get a sense of the things that will really help in the recovery.
“We will continue talking to you. We know what the issues are and we intend to bring forward policies to deal with that as we recover.
“We are well aware of the struggles the travel sector has gone through and AFTA has been very active in this regard. I’m very honoured to be able to speak to you today.
“I don’t think there’s any other group in our community that’s done it tougher than you. I know the struggles you’ve gone through and I’d like to help as much as I can in what I hope will be a strong, long-standing recovery.”
The cruise industry has also welcomed the Albanese government, however, peak body Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) chose to also acknowledge the previous Coalition Government’s role in supporting the tourism economy and responding to recent challenges.
In particular, CLIA praised the previous government for “opening a pathway to the revival of cruising in Australia”.
CLIA’s regional managing director, Joel Katz said he looks forward to working with the incoming government on the revival of Australia’s cruise economy and to help strengthen the country’s wider tourism revival.
“Cruising will play an important part in Australia’s long-term tourism development and will be a key contributor to the revival of international visitor spending in our region,” Katz said.
“As cruising takes its first steps towards recovery after its pandemic suspension, it will be important to focus on the long-term role a vibrant and prosperous cruise industry will play in bringing economic benefits to communities right around Australia’s coasts.”
From the aviation sector, the Transport Worker’s Union (TWU) national secretary, Michael Kaine, said the change in government is a welcome relief.
“Prior to the election, the Labor Government pledged to stabilise aviation and provide secure jobs with reform to address the vulnerabilities in the industry and reverse the race to the bottom on wages and conditions,” Kaine said.
“A mass exodus of skilled workers who were abandoned by the Coalition throughout the pandemic has left the industry falling short on safety and service, like passengers experienced at our major airports over Easter.
“Aviation workers with the full backing of the TWU are ready for change, and will be holding the new Federal Government to account on its commitments.”
Featured image credit: Facebook/AlboMP
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
afta anthony albanese atec Australia's 31st prime minister Australia's federation of Travel Agents Australian Tourism Export Council clia Coalition government cruise cruise lines international association Dean Long Don Farrell Joel Katz Michael Kaine minister for tourism peak bodies peter shelley prime minister The Australian Federation of Travel Agents tourism and travel package Transport Workers Union twuLatest News
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash
It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024
AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Journey Beyond launches first brand-led campaign during Paris Olympics
Journey Beyond is pushing the boundaries. On The Ghan, you can't even see them!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Ascott Australia partners with Hotels for Trees
Hoteliers can take a 'Lyf' out of this book and improve their green credentials.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Victoria’s TAC Top Tourism Town Award winners for 2024
Keep looking in our own backyard. There are plenty of places to go.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Uniworld partners with Camilla Franks with Egyptian-inspired collection
We are in de-Nile about making puns combining Crocs and leopard prints, given this luxe partnership.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Aussies at Paris Olympics anxious about travel risks, with incidents already recorded
Fortunately one of our biggest gold medal hopes still held onto his pedals.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Banyan Tree Seaview Villas elevates Laguna Lang Co
If you've ever played golf in the tropics, start early. LIke way early. It's hot! Damn hot.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales
Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Wendy Wu unveils new Japan travel brochure and itineraries
Get outta town! Off-beat Japan will be a lot less congested we figure than the usual tourist hotspots.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
UK and Europe event organisers look to venues with sustainability integrity, ICC Sydney survey finds
Here in Sydney, you can even eat the table centrepieces. Although we advise they be cooked first.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Renos Rologas new general manager ANZ for FCM Travel
Two decades in the travel game! Let's hope Renos is in for the long haul at FCM.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Untamed Escapes to offer Cultural Day Tour from Port Lincoln in partnership with Maba Idi
International visitors travel thousands of kilometres for this experience. Time to share.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Luxe Finish Line Penthouses offer the best vantage point for the finish of the Sydney-Hobart
Long have we been following the yachts leavings Sydney Harbour and one day, we will see the finish, from this place!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
In a busy world, proximity to nature is the new luxury
Forget Raffles, treat your nearest and dearest to a stay at the local campsite. They'll be super close to nature.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Circular Quay welcomes new Korean dining experience to Sydney Place
We once took Korean-American chef David Chang around Koreatown, Eastwood. Not happy about driving rain, loved the food.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
MSC Cruises unveils a new outdoor kid-friendly attraction on World America
Drop your kid down the jaws of a shark and they come out 11 decks below. Sounds good to me.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy
Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Australian travellers abandon peer-to-peer stays and gravitate back to big hotels, survey finds
Doom scrolling Airbnb for the best-possible stay options two days out from departure was wearing us down, apparently.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Quark Expeditions launches the Ultimate Summer in the Arctic sweepstakes for travel advisors
Summer in the Arctic still means it's freezing. But hopefully a winning sweepstakes tickets will warm your cockles.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘I bet it smells weird’ – Internet divided over floating restaurant in China
I you are still feeling peckish at the end of your meal, their fish tank is full. But can you eat koi?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Turn up in the Northern Territory this Spring’ campaign deals
Agents and airlines get all hot and sweaty over these enticing deals. Or did someone just turn the air-conditioning up?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Like nothing on earth’: Saudi Arabia’s new Treyam resort set in a Star Wars-style landscape
As long as Jar Jar Binks is not there, we would like a seat at the Mos Eisley Cantina please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Raffles Hotels and Resorts is set to open in Tokyo in 2028
Time to get your vision boards at the ready! Raffles is landing in Tokyo!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘A true honour’ – Andrew Stark wins Flight Centre Director’s Award for the second time
Congratulations Andrew! If you're a fan of British reality TV you might notice a familiar face.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Club Med debuts travel agent portal 2.0 with bonus prize for tops sales
See those people by the pool. That could be you. Start selling through the portal people!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Envoyage announces 2024 Australian Icons and rewards event in the Maldives
We were going to edit our name into the list but we chickened out.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
HIF Global signs collaboration agreement with Airbus on eFuels
We know it's a good thing but can a jet fuel geek out there send in a diagram explaining this please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Crystal announces release dates for 2026 itineraries
If you have started collecting 2026 itineraries then here is another one for you.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Cairns Airport unveils display of support for FNQ youth
If you were craving some winter sun now you have a cultural reason for booking a flight to Cairns.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Viking announces six new cruise itineraries
Now's the time to start learning Putonghua, Nihongo and Lhasa. Or maybe even know where these are spoken.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Join Qatar Airways, Celebrity Cruises & Klook – Showcase Your Brand at Click Frenzy Travel August 2024!
Clicking calmly will also be welcome when it comes to this particular deal. Click calmly here to find out more.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
InsideAsia Tours launches new incentive that doubles agent commission
Double commission! We like the sound of that. Hope their system doesn't crash as a result.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Push to revive Parramatta’s iconic Roxy Theatre into entertainment destination
Long have we wished for this iconic heritage cinema to be revived as a tourist destination. Still waiting.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Qatar Airways signs an expansion to Boeing 777-9 aircraft order
Known as a quiet rural town in England, the entire global aviation industry now has its eyes on Farnborough.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Flight Centre shares down following revised profit guidance
The stock market moves fast. What will the rest of the week hold for Flight Centre?