❓ Question regarding the government's awareness of opposition concerns about funding for country tourist bureaus and the reasons for withdrawing direct finance. The Minister's response is defensive, highlighting the previous government's decision to cut funding and promoting the current government's new funding commitment.
AnsweredQoN 910Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to an article in the Donnybrook-Bridgetown Mail of 9 April 2002 concerning country tourist bureaus, and ask - (1) Is the minister aware that the opposition spokesperson on tourism, the member for Nedlands, is reported to be flabbergasted about the lack of support for country tourist bureaus? (2) Why did the Government withdraw direct finance to country tourist bureaus? Mr BROWN
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) Yes, I am aware of an article that appeared in the 9 April edition of the Donnybrook-Bridgetown Mail . The article includes a nice photo of the opposition spokesperson for tourism and the member for Warren-Blackwood. The article states - STATE Opposition tourism spokesperson Sue Walker says country tourist bureaus are struggling for funding. Ms Walker said she had identified some serious problems with the core funding of the bureaus - which needed a continuous stream of income for adequate staffing and to better help the public. She was speaking on a visit to Bridgetown last week as part of a tour to gain a better understanding of tourism issues in the Warren-Blackwood region. “To be honest, I was flabbergasted with the lack of support that is coming to these tourist bureaus,” she said. The member complained that there was no direct funding for tourist bureaus. I find that interesting, because it is true that the Government decided to stop direct funding to tourist bureaus via the Western Australian Tourism Commission. When did the Government decide to do that? It made the decision in 1996. Several members interjected. Mr BROWN: Here are the champions from the bush who have just found that it has started to happen. They have been asleep for six years. They did not know that funding stopped six years ago. Why would people not try to keep representation like that? No wonder opposition members are opposing one vote, one value; they might have to get up in the morning; they might have to do something more important - that is, think! They cut off funding six years ago, and now they have suddenly discovered the fact. I am disappointed that the newspaper article did not congratulate the Labor Government. During the last election campaign we promised funding of $2 million over four years or $500 000 a year direct to tourist bureaus in this State. That was set out in the last budget. Decisions will be made and announced later this month or early next month about the funding that will go directly to tourist bureaus. I am glad members opposite are up to date and on the ball! It has taken them only six years to work out that it was an incorrect policy decision. Whenever they want to offer us congratulations for our budget decision, we will be pleased to receive them.
(1) Is the minister aware that the opposition spokesperson on tourism, the member for Nedlands, is reported to be flabbergasted about the lack of support for country tourist bureaus? (2) Why did the Government withdraw direct finance to country tourist bureaus? Mr BROWN replied: (1)-(2) Yes, I am aware of an article that appeared in the 9 April edition of the Donnybrook-Bridgetown Mail . The article includes a nice photo of the opposition spokesperson for tourism and the member for Warren-Blackwood. The article states - STATE Opposition tourism spokesperson Sue Walker says country tourist bureaus are struggling for funding. Ms Walker said she had identified some serious problems with the core funding of the bureaus - which needed a continuous stream of income for adequate staffing and to better help the public. She was speaking on a visit to Bridgetown last week as part of a tour to gain a better understanding of tourism issues in the Warren-Blackwood region. “To be honest, I was flabbergasted with the lack of support that is coming to these tourist bureaus,” she said. The member complained that there was no direct funding for tourist bureaus. I find that interesting, because it is true that the Government decided to stop direct funding to tourist bureaus via the Western Australian Tourism Commission. When did the Government decide to do that? It made the decision in 1996. Several members interjected. Mr BROWN: Here are the champions from the bush who have just found that it has started to happen. They have been asleep for six years. They did not know that funding stopped six years ago. Why would people not try to keep representation like that? No wonder opposition members are opposing one vote, one value; they might have to get up in the morning; they might have to do something more important - that is, think! They cut off funding six years ago, and now they have suddenly discovered the fact. I am disappointed that the newspaper article did not congratulate the Labor Government. During the last election campaign we promised funding of $2 million over four years or $500 000 a year direct to tourist bureaus in this State. That was set out in the last budget. Decisions will be made and announced later this month or early next month about the funding that will go directly to tourist bureaus. I am glad members opposite are up to date and on the ball! It has taken them only six years to work out that it was an incorrect policy decision. Whenever they want to offer us congratulations for our budget decision, we will be pleased to receive them.
(2) Why did the Government withdraw direct finance to country tourist bureaus? Mr BROWN replied: (1)-(2) Yes, I am aware of an article that appeared in the 9 April edition of the Donnybrook-Bridgetown Mail . The article includes a nice photo of the opposition spokesperson for tourism and the member for Warren-Blackwood. The article states - STATE Opposition tourism spokesperson Sue Walker says country tourist bureaus are struggling for funding. Ms Walker said she had identified some serious problems with the core funding of the bureaus - which needed a continuous stream of income for adequate staffing and to better help the public. She was speaking on a visit to Bridgetown last week as part of a tour to gain a better understanding of tourism issues in the Warren-Blackwood region. “To be honest, I was flabbergasted with the lack of support that is coming to these tourist bureaus,” she said. The member complained that there was no direct funding for tourist bureaus. I find that interesting, because it is true that the Government decided to stop direct funding to tourist bureaus via the Western Australian Tourism Commission. When did the Government decide to do that? It made the decision in 1996. Several members interjected. Mr BROWN: Here are the champions from the bush who have just found that it has started to happen. They have been asleep for six years. They did not know that funding stopped six years ago. Why would people not try to keep representation like that? No wonder opposition members are opposing one vote, one value; they might have to get up in the morning; they might have to do something more important - that is, think! They cut off funding six years ago, and now they have suddenly discovered the fact. I am disappointed that the newspaper article did not congratulate the Labor Government. During the last election campaign we promised funding of $2 million over four years or $500 000 a year direct to tourist bureaus in this State. That was set out in the last budget. Decisions will be made and announced later this month or early next month about the funding that will go directly to tourist bureaus. I am glad members opposite are up to date and on the ball! It has taken them only six years to work out that it was an incorrect policy decision. Whenever they want to offer us congratulations for our budget decision, we will be pleased to receive them.
Mr BROWN replied: (1)-(2) Yes, I am aware of an article that appeared in the 9 April edition of the Donnybrook-Bridgetown Mail . The article includes a nice photo of the opposition spokesperson for tourism and the member for Warren-Blackwood. The article states - STATE Opposition tourism spokesperson Sue Walker says country tourist bureaus are struggling for funding. Ms Walker said she had identified some serious problems with the core funding of the bureaus - which needed a continuous stream of income for adequate staffing and to better help the public. She was speaking on a visit to Bridgetown last week as part of a tour to gain a better understanding of tourism issues in the Warren-Blackwood region. “To be honest, I was flabbergasted with the lack of support that is coming to these tourist bureaus,” she said. The member complained that there was no direct funding for tourist bureaus. I find that interesting, because it is true that the Government decided to stop direct funding to tourist bureaus via the Western Australian Tourism Commission. When did the Government decide to do that? It made the decision in 1996. Several members interjected. Mr BROWN: Here are the champions from the bush who have just found that it has started to happen. They have been asleep for six years. They did not know that funding stopped six years ago. Why would people not try to keep representation like that? No wonder opposition members are opposing one vote, one value; they might have to get up in the morning; they might have to do something more important - that is, think! They cut off funding six years ago, and now they have suddenly discovered the fact. I am disappointed that the newspaper article did not congratulate the Labor Government. During the last election campaign we promised funding of $2 million over four years or $500 000 a year direct to tourist bureaus in this State. That was set out in the last budget. Decisions will be made and announced later this month or early next month about the funding that will go directly to tourist bureaus. I am glad members opposite are up to date and on the ball! It has taken them only six years to work out that it was an incorrect policy decision. Whenever they want to offer us congratulations for our budget decision, we will be pleased to receive them.
(1)-(2) Yes, I am aware of an article that appeared in the 9 April edition of the Donnybrook-Bridgetown Mail . The article includes a nice photo of the opposition spokesperson for tourism and the member for Warren-Blackwood. The article states - STATE Opposition tourism spokesperson Sue Walker says country tourist bureaus are struggling for funding. Ms Walker said she had identified some serious problems with the core funding of the bureaus - which needed a continuous stream of income for adequate staffing and to better help the public. She was speaking on a visit to Bridgetown last week as part of a tour to gain a better understanding of tourism issues in the Warren-Blackwood region. “To be honest, I was flabbergasted with the lack of support that is coming to these tourist bureaus,” she said. The member complained that there was no direct funding for tourist bureaus. I find that interesting, because it is true that the Government decided to stop direct funding to tourist bureaus via the Western Australian Tourism Commission. When did the Government decide to do that? It made the decision in 1996. Several members interjected. Mr BROWN: Here are the champions from the bush who have just found that it has started to happen. They have been asleep for six years. They did not know that funding stopped six years ago. Why would people not try to keep representation like that? No wonder opposition members are opposing one vote, one value; they might have to get up in the morning; they might have to do something more important - that is, think! They cut off funding six years ago, and now they have suddenly discovered the fact. I am disappointed that the newspaper article did not congratulate the Labor Government. During the last election campaign we promised funding of $2 million over four years or $500 000 a year direct to tourist bureaus in this State. That was set out in the last budget. Decisions will be made and announced later this month or early next month about the funding that will go directly to tourist bureaus. I am glad members opposite are up to date and on the ball! It has taken them only six years to work out that it was an incorrect policy decision. Whenever they want to offer us congratulations for our budget decision, we will be pleased to receive them.
Ms Walker said she had identified some serious problems with the core funding of the bureaus - which needed a continuous stream of income for adequate staffing and to better help the public. She was speaking on a visit to Bridgetown last week as part of a tour to gain a better understanding of tourism issues in the Warren-Blackwood region. “To be honest, I was flabbergasted with the lack of support that is coming to these tourist bureaus,” she said.
She was speaking on a visit to Bridgetown last week as part of a tour to gain a better understanding of tourism issues in the Warren-Blackwood region. “To be honest, I was flabbergasted with the lack of support that is coming to these tourist bureaus,” she said.
“To be honest, I was flabbergasted with the lack of support that is coming to these tourist bureaus,” she said.
Several members interjected. Mr BROWN: Here are the champions from the bush who have just found that it has started to happen. They have been asleep for six years. They did not know that funding stopped six years ago. Why would people not try to keep representation like that? No wonder opposition members are opposing one vote, one value; they might have to get up in the morning; they might have to do something more important - that is, think! They cut off funding six years ago, and now they have suddenly discovered the fact. I am disappointed that the newspaper article did not congratulate the Labor Government. During the last election campaign we promised funding of $2 million over four years or $500 000 a year direct to tourist bureaus in this State. That was set out in the last budget. Decisions will be made and announced later this month or early next month about the funding that will go directly to tourist bureaus. I am glad members opposite are up to date and on the ball! It has taken them only six years to work out that it was an incorrect policy decision. Whenever they want to offer us congratulations for our budget decision, we will be pleased to receive them.
Mr BROWN: Here are the champions from the bush who have just found that it has started to happen. They have been asleep for six years. They did not know that funding stopped six years ago. Why would people not try to keep representation like that? No wonder opposition members are opposing one vote, one value; they might have to get up in the morning; they might have to do something more important - that is, think! They cut off funding six years ago, and now they have suddenly discovered the fact. I am disappointed that the newspaper article did not congratulate the Labor Government. During the last election campaign we promised funding of $2 million over four years or $500 000 a year direct to tourist bureaus in this State. That was set out in the last budget. Decisions will be made and announced later this month or early next month about the funding that will go directly to tourist bureaus. I am glad members opposite are up to date and on the ball! It has taken them only six years to work out that it was an incorrect policy decision. Whenever they want to offer us congratulations for our budget decision, we will be pleased to receive them.
I am disappointed that the newspaper article did not congratulate the Labor Government. During the last election campaign we promised funding of $2 million over four years or $500 000 a year direct to tourist bureaus in this State. That was set out in the last budget. Decisions will be made and announced later this month or early next month about the funding that will go directly to tourist bureaus. I am glad members opposite are up to date and on the ball! It has taken them only six years to work out that it was an incorrect policy decision. Whenever they want to offer us congratulations for our budget decision, we will be pleased to receive them.
(1) Is the minister aware that the opposition spokesperson on tourism, the member for Nedlands, is reported to be flabbergasted about the lack of support for country tourist bureaus? (2) Why did the Government withdraw direct finance to country tourist bureaus? Mr BROWN replied: (1)-(2) Yes, I am aware of an article that appeared in the 9 April edition of the Donnybrook-Bridgetown Mail . The article includes a nice photo of the opposition spokesperson for tourism and the member for Warren-Blackwood. The article states - STATE Opposition tourism spokesperson Sue Walker says country tourist bureaus are struggling for funding. Ms Walker said she had identified some serious problems with the core funding of the bureaus - which needed a continuous stream of income for adequate staffing and to better help the public. She was speaking on a visit to Bridgetown last week as part of a tour to gain a better understanding of tourism issues in the Warren-Blackwood region. “To be honest, I was flabbergasted with the lack of support that is coming to these tourist bureaus,” she said. The member complained that there was no direct funding for tourist bureaus. I find that interesting, because it is true that the Government decided to stop direct funding to tourist bureaus via the Western Australian Tourism Commission. When did the Government decide to do that? It made the decision in 1996. Several members interjected. Mr BROWN: Here are the champions from the bush who have just found that it has started to happen. They have been asleep for six years. They did not know that funding stopped six years ago. Why would people not try to keep representation like that? No wonder opposition members are opposing one vote, one value; they might have to get up in the morning; they might have to do something more important - that is, think! They cut off funding six years ago, and now they have suddenly discovered the fact. I am disappointed that the newspaper article did not congratulate the Labor Government. During the last election campaign we promised funding of $2 million over four years or $500 000 a year direct to tourist bureaus in this State. That was set out in the last budget. Decisions will be made and announced later this month or early next month about the funding that will go directly to tourist bureaus. I am glad members opposite are up to date and on the ball! It has taken them only six years to work out that it was an incorrect policy decision. Whenever they want to offer us congratulations for our budget decision, we will be pleased to receive them.
(2) Why did the Government withdraw direct finance to country tourist bureaus? Mr BROWN replied: (1)-(2) Yes, I am aware of an article that appeared in the 9 April edition of the Donnybrook-Bridgetown Mail . The article includes a nice photo of the opposition spokesperson for tourism and the member for Warren-Blackwood. The article states - STATE Opposition tourism spokesperson Sue Walker says country tourist bureaus are struggling for funding. Ms Walker said she had identified some serious problems with the core funding of the bureaus - which needed a continuous stream of income for adequate staffing and to better help the public. She was speaking on a visit to Bridgetown last week as part of a tour to gain a better understanding of tourism issues in the Warren-Blackwood region. “To be honest, I was flabbergasted with the lack of support that is coming to these tourist bureaus,” she said. The member complained that there was no direct funding for tourist bureaus. I find that interesting, because it is true that the Government decided to stop direct funding to tourist bureaus via the Western Australian Tourism Commission. When did the Government decide to do that? It made the decision in 1996. Several members interjected. Mr BROWN: Here are the champions from the bush who have just found that it has started to happen. They have been asleep for six years. They did not know that funding stopped six years ago. Why would people not try to keep representation like that? No wonder opposition members are opposing one vote, one value; they might have to get up in the morning; they might have to do something more important - that is, think! They cut off funding six years ago, and now they have suddenly discovered the fact. I am disappointed that the newspaper article did not congratulate the Labor Government. During the last election campaign we promised funding of $2 million over four years or $500 000 a year direct to tourist bureaus in this State. That was set out in the last budget. Decisions will be made and announced later this month or early next month about the funding that will go directly to tourist bureaus. I am glad members opposite are up to date and on the ball! It has taken them only six years to work out that it was an incorrect policy decision. Whenever they want to offer us congratulations for our budget decision, we will be pleased to receive them.
Mr BROWN replied: (1)-(2) Yes, I am aware of an article that appeared in the 9 April edition of the Donnybrook-Bridgetown Mail . The article includes a nice photo of the opposition spokesperson for tourism and the member for Warren-Blackwood. The article states - STATE Opposition tourism spokesperson Sue Walker says country tourist bureaus are struggling for funding. Ms Walker said she had identified some serious problems with the core funding of the bureaus - which needed a continuous stream of income for adequate staffing and to better help the public. She was speaking on a visit to Bridgetown last week as part of a tour to gain a better understanding of tourism issues in the Warren-Blackwood region. “To be honest, I was flabbergasted with the lack of support that is coming to these tourist bureaus,” she said. The member complained that there was no direct funding for tourist bureaus. I find that interesting, because it is true that the Government decided to stop direct funding to tourist bureaus via the Western Australian Tourism Commission. When did the Government decide to do that? It made the decision in 1996. Several members interjected. Mr BROWN: Here are the champions from the bush who have just found that it has started to happen. They have been asleep for six years. They did not know that funding stopped six years ago. Why would people not try to keep representation like that? No wonder opposition members are opposing one vote, one value; they might have to get up in the morning; they might have to do something more important - that is, think! They cut off funding six years ago, and now they have suddenly discovered the fact. I am disappointed that the newspaper article did not congratulate the Labor Government. During the last election campaign we promised funding of $2 million over four years or $500 000 a year direct to tourist bureaus in this State. That was set out in the last budget. Decisions will be made and announced later this month or early next month about the funding that will go directly to tourist bureaus. I am glad members opposite are up to date and on the ball! It has taken them only six years to work out that it was an incorrect policy decision. Whenever they want to offer us congratulations for our budget decision, we will be pleased to receive them.
(1)-(2) Yes, I am aware of an article that appeared in the 9 April edition of the Donnybrook-Bridgetown Mail . The article includes a nice photo of the opposition spokesperson for tourism and the member for Warren-Blackwood. The article states - STATE Opposition tourism spokesperson Sue Walker says country tourist bureaus are struggling for funding. Ms Walker said she had identified some serious problems with the core funding of the bureaus - which needed a continuous stream of income for adequate staffing and to better help the public. She was speaking on a visit to Bridgetown last week as part of a tour to gain a better understanding of tourism issues in the Warren-Blackwood region. “To be honest, I was flabbergasted with the lack of support that is coming to these tourist bureaus,” she said. The member complained that there was no direct funding for tourist bureaus. I find that interesting, because it is true that the Government decided to stop direct funding to tourist bureaus via the Western Australian Tourism Commission. When did the Government decide to do that? It made the decision in 1996. Several members interjected. Mr BROWN: Here are the champions from the bush who have just found that it has started to happen. They have been asleep for six years. They did not know that funding stopped six years ago. Why would people not try to keep representation like that? No wonder opposition members are opposing one vote, one value; they might have to get up in the morning; they might have to do something more important - that is, think! They cut off funding six years ago, and now they have suddenly discovered the fact. I am disappointed that the newspaper article did not congratulate the Labor Government. During the last election campaign we promised funding of $2 million over four years or $500 000 a year direct to tourist bureaus in this State. That was set out in the last budget. Decisions will be made and announced later this month or early next month about the funding that will go directly to tourist bureaus. I am glad members opposite are up to date and on the ball! It has taken them only six years to work out that it was an incorrect policy decision. Whenever they want to offer us congratulations for our budget decision, we will be pleased to receive them.
Ms Walker said she had identified some serious problems with the core funding of the bureaus - which needed a continuous stream of income for adequate staffing and to better help the public. She was speaking on a visit to Bridgetown last week as part of a tour to gain a better understanding of tourism issues in the Warren-Blackwood region. “To be honest, I was flabbergasted with the lack of support that is coming to these tourist bureaus,” she said.
She was speaking on a visit to Bridgetown last week as part of a tour to gain a better understanding of tourism issues in the Warren-Blackwood region. “To be honest, I was flabbergasted with the lack of support that is coming to these tourist bureaus,” she said.
“To be honest, I was flabbergasted with the lack of support that is coming to these tourist bureaus,” she said.
Several members interjected. Mr BROWN: Here are the champions from the bush who have just found that it has started to happen. They have been asleep for six years. They did not know that funding stopped six years ago. Why would people not try to keep representation like that? No wonder opposition members are opposing one vote, one value; they might have to get up in the morning; they might have to do something more important - that is, think! They cut off funding six years ago, and now they have suddenly discovered the fact. I am disappointed that the newspaper article did not congratulate the Labor Government. During the last election campaign we promised funding of $2 million over four years or $500 000 a year direct to tourist bureaus in this State. That was set out in the last budget. Decisions will be made and announced later this month or early next month about the funding that will go directly to tourist bureaus. I am glad members opposite are up to date and on the ball! It has taken them only six years to work out that it was an incorrect policy decision. Whenever they want to offer us congratulations for our budget decision, we will be pleased to receive them.
Mr BROWN: Here are the champions from the bush who have just found that it has started to happen. They have been asleep for six years. They did not know that funding stopped six years ago. Why would people not try to keep representation like that? No wonder opposition members are opposing one vote, one value; they might have to get up in the morning; they might have to do something more important - that is, think! They cut off funding six years ago, and now they have suddenly discovered the fact. I am disappointed that the newspaper article did not congratulate the Labor Government. During the last election campaign we promised funding of $2 million over four years or $500 000 a year direct to tourist bureaus in this State. That was set out in the last budget. Decisions will be made and announced later this month or early next month about the funding that will go directly to tourist bureaus. I am glad members opposite are up to date and on the ball! It has taken them only six years to work out that it was an incorrect policy decision. Whenever they want to offer us congratulations for our budget decision, we will be pleased to receive them.
I am disappointed that the newspaper article did not congratulate the Labor Government. During the last election campaign we promised funding of $2 million over four years or $500 000 a year direct to tourist bureaus in this State. That was set out in the last budget. Decisions will be made and announced later this month or early next month about the funding that will go directly to tourist bureaus. I am glad members opposite are up to date and on the ball! It has taken them only six years to work out that it was an incorrect policy decision. Whenever they want to offer us congratulations for our budget decision, we will be pleased to receive them.
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