❓ Mr. Catania questions the eligibility criteria of the tourism recovery fund, specifically regarding industry association members. Minister Papalia clarifies eligibility, emphasizing support for smaller players and responsible use of taxpayer money.
AnsweredQoN 274Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
CORONAVIRUS —
TOURISM INDUSTRY — RECOVERY PACKAGE
274. Mr V.A. CATANIA to the Minister for Tourism:
I refer to the tourism recovery fund
announced today.
(1) Why does the eligibility criteria not extend to
include tourism operators who are members of their industry organisation,
such as the Australian Hotels Association WA, the Caravan Industry Association Western
Australia and local visitor centres?
(2) What industry consultation did
the minister carry out before constructing the eligibility criteria?
TOURISM INDUSTRY — RECOVERY PACKAGE
274. Mr V.A. CATANIA to the Minister for Tourism:
I refer to the tourism recovery fund
announced today.
(1) Why does the eligibility criteria not extend to
include tourism operators who are members of their industry organisation,
such as the Australian Hotels Association WA, the Caravan Industry Association Western
Australia and local visitor centres?
(2) What industry consultation did
the minister carry out before constructing the eligibility criteria?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(2) I
thank the member for his question. Members of those associations will we
eligible, subject to meeting the other criteria of the programs. There are
obligations around being eligible for this package, and they are on the
website. Very clearly, the first element of the package is focused far more
specifically on those smaller players who have not been eligible for other
benefits that the government has provided to small business. It will give those
microbusinesses and sole traders an opportunity to get some support.
Mr V.A. Catania interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member!
Mr P. PAPALIA : There are a number
of associations. It has to be a recognised tourism operator. That is not an
unreasonable obligation for a tourism recovery package.
Mr V.A. Catania interjected.
The SPEAKER : This is the
first one for the week. I call you to order, member for North West Central.
Mr P. PAPALIA : It is the
regional tourism organisations such as Tourism WA, the Tourism Council of Western
Australia and the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council—any
one of those organisations. A genuine registered tourism operator that is
meeting the obligations of the package will be eligible. That is a good thing.
This is taxpayers' money. It is essential at this time when there are
incredible demands on the taxpayers' dollar from every possible
direction that we focus on those in the tourism sector who need it the most and
whom we want to pivot towards the new market. We are giving those who have been
deprived of their market due to the restrictions in place to respond to COVID
the ability to survive and make it to the other side.
thank the member for his question. Members of those associations will we
eligible, subject to meeting the other criteria of the programs. There are
obligations around being eligible for this package, and they are on the
website. Very clearly, the first element of the package is focused far more
specifically on those smaller players who have not been eligible for other
benefits that the government has provided to small business. It will give those
microbusinesses and sole traders an opportunity to get some support.
Mr V.A. Catania interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member!
Mr P. PAPALIA : There are a number
of associations. It has to be a recognised tourism operator. That is not an
unreasonable obligation for a tourism recovery package.
Mr V.A. Catania interjected.
The SPEAKER : This is the
first one for the week. I call you to order, member for North West Central.
Mr P. PAPALIA : It is the
regional tourism organisations such as Tourism WA, the Tourism Council of Western
Australia and the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council—any
one of those organisations. A genuine registered tourism operator that is
meeting the obligations of the package will be eligible. That is a good thing.
This is taxpayers' money. It is essential at this time when there are
incredible demands on the taxpayers' dollar from every possible
direction that we focus on those in the tourism sector who need it the most and
whom we want to pivot towards the new market. We are giving those who have been
deprived of their market due to the restrictions in place to respond to COVID
the ability to survive and make it to the other side.
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