Tourism
Roma BRITNELL (South-West Coast) (14:09): My question is to the Minister for Ports and Freight. Ahead of the last election, Labor promised more international tourists, more often. 65,000 tourists will no longer visit Melbourne with Cunard and Princess cruises rerouting their tours to avoid Melbourne entirely from 2025 due to the government’s port and wharfage tax grab. How many jobs in the Victorian tourism and hospitality industries will be lost as a result of this broken promise?
Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (14:09): I really thank the member for her question, because it is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of the cruise sector to Melbourne, and indeed what we are doing. I am not entirely sure why the member is such an apologist or such a supporter of the Carnival cruises that – let me say – had an all-time revenue high this quarter of $6.85 billion. So what we have done –
James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, it is entirely irrelevant to bash up on the companies that are bringing tourists into this state.
The SPEAKER: There is no point of order.
Melissa HORNE: We have got two new cruise shipping lines coming into Victoria: we have got Virgin and we have got Disney. We have got the Resilient Lady coming on in. These will bring millions of dollars to the Victorian economy and support jobs. Basically, Carnival have made a commercial decision. What we have done is increase that cost from $28.50 per passenger to $32 per passenger. Now, I am sorry if a company that earns $6.85 billion in its three quarters cannot afford to buy – you cannot get a cup of coffee for that – their passengers less than a cup of coffee to maintain the historic Station Pier. I am sorry; I am not sure whose side you are on.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: The member for Bulleen is warned.
Roma BRITNELL (South-West Coast) (14:12): P & O Cruises Australia, Holland America Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line are also actively considering pulling out of Melbourne. What actions will the minister personally take to ensure that these cruise lines do not pull out of Melbourne?
Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (14:12): Again, thank you very much to the member for South-West Coast for her question. I am not entirely sure if she is aware that the visitor economy is $3.3 billion –
A member interjected.
Melissa HORNE: Major events – $3.3 billion. People are flocking to Melbourne. We have got two new cruise ships that are coming on in, and we will continue to support this industry.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: The member for Nepean can leave the chamber for half an hour.
Member for Nepean withdrew from chamber.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: Order! Members will be removed without warning. The member for Sunbury can leave the chamber for half an hour.
Member for Sunbury withdrew from chamber.
The SPEAKER: The minister has concluded her answer.