Tuesday, 30 April 2024

 Tom McINTOSH (Eastern Victoria) (12:54): (796) My question is for the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events in the other place. Victoria is the most beautiful part of Australia, and tourism is a massive industry for our state. One in every 11 jobs in regional Victoria comes from the tourism industry. My electorate of Eastern Victoria is home to some of the state’s best attractions. Whether it is hiking in the Strzeleckis, enjoying Peninsula Hot Springs, fishing at Lakes Entrance, enjoying Tourism Australia’s number one ranked Squeaky Beach at Wilsons Prom or enjoying some of the country’s best wines, there is something for everyone. This Labor government understands how important tourism is, which is why we are backing the industry in through our $170 million Regional Tourism and Events Fund, which supports local businesses to showcase the very best our state has to offer. We are also investing $8 million through the Enabling Tourism Fund to support the development of tourism infrastructure across the state. The tourism industry creates jobs, boosts local economies and lets people experience all the beauty our state has to offer. Minister, can you please detail the investments the government is making into tourism in Eastern Victoria?