❓ Question regarding the Cook Labor government's major event strategy and its impact on Western Australia's economy, with the Minister providing data on hotel occupancy rates during recent events and quoting the Australian Hotels Association CEO's positive assessment.
AnsweredQoN 609Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
State economy—Diversification—Tourism
609. Mr Stuart Aubrey to
the Minister for Tourism:
I refer to the Cook Labor government's commitment to
diversifying Western Australia's economy through a strong tourism industry.
(1) Can the minister advise the house how the
government's major event strategy is boosting the state's economy?
(2) Can the minister provide an update on any
recent developments in this important work?
609. Mr Stuart Aubrey to
the Minister for Tourism:
I refer to the Cook Labor government's commitment to
diversifying Western Australia's economy through a strong tourism industry.
(1) Can the minister advise the house how the
government's major event strategy is boosting the state's economy?
(2) Can the minister provide an update on any
recent developments in this important work?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(2) Thank you, member. Indeed, I can
do that. The member for Scarborough would be aware that this government wants
to diversify our economy and grow jobs and opportunities across Western
Australia. We are looking at tourism as being one of those key central pillars
to do so. Our major event strategy is about bringing events that create
excitement and vibrancy and a reason to visit Western Australia like never
before, and it is working. We have heard members on the other side, including
the Leader of the Opposition, constantly attack these great events that Western
Australians and people from around Australia and the world attend.
I have some information here
that tells a story on how successful those events have been recently, because
we have had an avalanche of exciting events in Western Australia. Many members
opposite have attended these events and enjoyed them. These events have created
a surge in hotel occupancy. There has been virtually full capacity in our local
hotels during these world-class events that our government has put on for Western
Australia to attract visitors and grow our economy. On 27 September, the night
of the UFC Fight Night, there was 91.8% occupancy across Perth. That is an
untold number. That is a massive number for an occupancy rate. Think of the
jobs. Think of the people not just being in those hotels but going out to restaurants,
small and family-owned businesses and cafes. Members opposite can roll their eyes
and think this is not important, but it is vital to Western Australia.
Let us also look at the
Bledisloe Cup. I think a couple of friends from across the aisle enjoyed that a
bit.
The Speaker: Minister, direct your comments through
the Chair, please.
Mr Reece Whitby: Sure; thank you, Speaker.
There was a 99.4%
occupancy rate in hotels on 4 October for the Bledisloe Cup. There was a 90.1%
occupancy rate for the WWE SmackDown event, a 91.5% rate for the Crown Jewel and
a 93.7% rate for Monday Night RAW, with strong numbers across surrounding
nights.
We can see how
incredibly successful these events have been. We are also seeing that visitors
are staying longer—on not just those particular nights, but nights
either side. They are extending their visits and, for members who will be
interested, they are roaming into the regions and enjoying what the regions
have to offer. Visitors do not just stay in Perth; they extend their stays and
travel out. If members opposite do not believe me and will not take my word on
this, surely they will take seriously the words of the CEO of the Australian
Hotels Association, Mr Bradley Woods.
Mr Basil Zempilas: We were there.
Mr Reece Whitby: I know that half the members opposite
were there on Monday night enjoying his free food and drinks. They all love the
hospitality.
Several members
interjected.
Mr Reece Whitby: Here we go! This is what Bradley
Woods is reported to have said:
"This is exactly the type of
outcome that Western Australia's Major Events Strategy was designed to achieve."
Several members
interjected.
Mr Reece Whitby: I am happy to.
The Speaker: Leader of the Opposition! Member for
Central Wheatbelt!
Point of order
Mr David Michael: Mr Speaker—
The Speaker: It is okay, Leader of the House. Thank
you. It is all right.
Member for Central
Wheatbelt, I am calling you for the second time. Your continued interjections
are disorderly and I would like you to stop doing it. It is the same for you, Leader
of the Opposition. There is no need for you to be interjecting as often as you
are.
Questions without notice
resumed
Mr Reece Whitby: These are good quotes from Mr Woods,
so I am really keen to share them with the chamber. The second quote has Mr
Woods saying:
"This is a strong return on
investment for the State Government's commitment to securing premium sporting
and entertainment events," …
One last comment is:
"Western Australia is now firmly
established as a premier destination for major events," … "These
figures confirm that our tourism and hospitality sectors are reaping the
benefits."
It is not just Mr
Woods who is very keen on this; it is the thousands of people who work in
hospitality at our hotels, bars, small restaurants and family-owned businesses
who are benefiting from these initiatives.
The Barmy Army is on
its way. The Ashes test is about to start in Perth, and we may or may not have
some cricket greats still in the chamber today. This, again, is going to
attract massive occupancy and visitation to Western Australia. We know that
this is great for sport and entertainment, but it is also great for our
economy.
do that. The member for Scarborough would be aware that this government wants
to diversify our economy and grow jobs and opportunities across Western
Australia. We are looking at tourism as being one of those key central pillars
to do so. Our major event strategy is about bringing events that create
excitement and vibrancy and a reason to visit Western Australia like never
before, and it is working. We have heard members on the other side, including
the Leader of the Opposition, constantly attack these great events that Western
Australians and people from around Australia and the world attend.
I have some information here
that tells a story on how successful those events have been recently, because
we have had an avalanche of exciting events in Western Australia. Many members
opposite have attended these events and enjoyed them. These events have created
a surge in hotel occupancy. There has been virtually full capacity in our local
hotels during these world-class events that our government has put on for Western
Australia to attract visitors and grow our economy. On 27 September, the night
of the UFC Fight Night, there was 91.8% occupancy across Perth. That is an
untold number. That is a massive number for an occupancy rate. Think of the
jobs. Think of the people not just being in those hotels but going out to restaurants,
small and family-owned businesses and cafes. Members opposite can roll their eyes
and think this is not important, but it is vital to Western Australia.
Let us also look at the
Bledisloe Cup. I think a couple of friends from across the aisle enjoyed that a
bit.
The Speaker: Minister, direct your comments through
the Chair, please.
Mr Reece Whitby: Sure; thank you, Speaker.
There was a 99.4%
occupancy rate in hotels on 4 October for the Bledisloe Cup. There was a 90.1%
occupancy rate for the WWE SmackDown event, a 91.5% rate for the Crown Jewel and
a 93.7% rate for Monday Night RAW, with strong numbers across surrounding
nights.
We can see how
incredibly successful these events have been. We are also seeing that visitors
are staying longer—on not just those particular nights, but nights
either side. They are extending their visits and, for members who will be
interested, they are roaming into the regions and enjoying what the regions
have to offer. Visitors do not just stay in Perth; they extend their stays and
travel out. If members opposite do not believe me and will not take my word on
this, surely they will take seriously the words of the CEO of the Australian
Hotels Association, Mr Bradley Woods.
Mr Basil Zempilas: We were there.
Mr Reece Whitby: I know that half the members opposite
were there on Monday night enjoying his free food and drinks. They all love the
hospitality.
Several members
interjected.
Mr Reece Whitby: Here we go! This is what Bradley
Woods is reported to have said:
"This is exactly the type of
outcome that Western Australia's Major Events Strategy was designed to achieve."
Several members
interjected.
Mr Reece Whitby: I am happy to.
The Speaker: Leader of the Opposition! Member for
Central Wheatbelt!
Point of order
Mr David Michael: Mr Speaker—
The Speaker: It is okay, Leader of the House. Thank
you. It is all right.
Member for Central
Wheatbelt, I am calling you for the second time. Your continued interjections
are disorderly and I would like you to stop doing it. It is the same for you, Leader
of the Opposition. There is no need for you to be interjecting as often as you
are.
Questions without notice
resumed
Mr Reece Whitby: These are good quotes from Mr Woods,
so I am really keen to share them with the chamber. The second quote has Mr
Woods saying:
"This is a strong return on
investment for the State Government's commitment to securing premium sporting
and entertainment events," …
One last comment is:
"Western Australia is now firmly
established as a premier destination for major events," … "These
figures confirm that our tourism and hospitality sectors are reaping the
benefits."
It is not just Mr
Woods who is very keen on this; it is the thousands of people who work in
hospitality at our hotels, bars, small restaurants and family-owned businesses
who are benefiting from these initiatives.
The Barmy Army is on
its way. The Ashes test is about to start in Perth, and we may or may not have
some cricket greats still in the chamber today. This, again, is going to
attract massive occupancy and visitation to Western Australia. We know that
this is great for sport and entertainment, but it is also great for our
economy.
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