Wednesday, 29 July 2026

 Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:22): (1385) My question today is for the minister representing the Minister for Tourism. An unusually warm start to winter has left High Country communities such as Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Mansfield with weeks of cancellations and empty beds. There is a precedent for the federal government to support regional tourism when facing hardship in Queensland. Will the minister advocate on behalf of High Country communities for support from their federal counterparts?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Environment, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (12:23): I thank Ms Tyrrell for her question and her interest, and what I will do is, in line with the standing orders, I will pass it on to the Minister for Tourism in the other place for an appropriate response.

 Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:23): I thank the minister for passing that on. Our alpine economy is iconic, it is seasonal and it is hurting right now. Due to the slowest snow season start in 70 years this economy has lost millions in revenue. Will the government ease the burden on alpine and High Country businesses by immediately granting rate relief and payroll tax deferrals?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Environment, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (12:24): I thank Ms Tyrrell for her question and her interest in this matter. I will make sure that is passed on to the Minister for Tourism in the Legislative Assembly for a response in line with the standing orders.