❓ Mr. Catania questions the Minister for Tourism about applying for federal funding to support WA tourism businesses impacted by COVID-19. The Minister defends the government's existing support and ongoing negotiations with the federal government.
AnsweredQoN 425Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
CORONAVIRUS — TOURISM — GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
425. Mr V.A. CATANIA to the Minister for Tourism:
I refer to the announcements of
joint federal and state funding of $20 million in Tasmania and $600 million in
Queensland for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
(1) Has the state
government applied to the federal government for funding; and, if not, why not?
(2) If yes, can
we expect much-needed support for struggling WA tourism businesses, as last
week the minister was dismissive of the industry group's plea for help?
425. Mr V.A. CATANIA to the Minister for Tourism:
I refer to the announcements of
joint federal and state funding of $20 million in Tasmania and $600 million in
Queensland for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
(1) Has the state
government applied to the federal government for funding; and, if not, why not?
(2) If yes, can
we expect much-needed support for struggling WA tourism businesses, as last
week the minister was dismissive of the industry group's plea for help?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(2) I want to correct the member; I was not
dismissive. One thing I did highlight last week, of course, was the ongoing support of the state government for all
businesses in Western Australia. One of the most important aspects of
that is keeping the state safe so that businesses can continue to do the
important employment work that is generating
income for our local economies. That is why this state is doing so well in a range
of sectors across the economic circumstance, unlike other states that
are tragically suffering, like New South Wales now and, of course, Victoria in
the past.
The
Premier in answer to an earlier question today highlighted the impact that that
is having on the national economy and, indeed, the fact that Western Australia
is keeping the national economy afloat because its decisions are focused on
keeping people safe. However, of course, we recognise, as I did in answer to
the member's question last week, and
highlight what the government has done when circumstances demonstrate that extra support is required. That is why I went through a list of
initiatives that are focused on ensuring that
people support our tourism industry, and support it in a timely way. There are
occasions—for example , when interstate visitors are not able to
visit here because of lockdowns in their states—when we then respond,
and I outlined a number of those. However, an announcement was made by the
federal Treasurer last week, and there have been some ongoing conversations
between the Premier and the federal Treasurer about supports that may be
jointly offered to businesses going forward. Those negotiations are continuing.
Western Australia is and will be highlighting where there are challenges in the
tourism industry, a number of which I highlighted in answer to the member's
question last week.
dismissive. One thing I did highlight last week, of course, was the ongoing support of the state government for all
businesses in Western Australia. One of the most important aspects of
that is keeping the state safe so that businesses can continue to do the
important employment work that is generating
income for our local economies. That is why this state is doing so well in a range
of sectors across the economic circumstance, unlike other states that
are tragically suffering, like New South Wales now and, of course, Victoria in
the past.
The
Premier in answer to an earlier question today highlighted the impact that that
is having on the national economy and, indeed, the fact that Western Australia
is keeping the national economy afloat because its decisions are focused on
keeping people safe. However, of course, we recognise, as I did in answer to
the member's question last week, and
highlight what the government has done when circumstances demonstrate that extra support is required. That is why I went through a list of
initiatives that are focused on ensuring that
people support our tourism industry, and support it in a timely way. There are
occasions—for example , when interstate visitors are not able to
visit here because of lockdowns in their states—when we then respond,
and I outlined a number of those. However, an announcement was made by the
federal Treasurer last week, and there have been some ongoing conversations
between the Premier and the federal Treasurer about supports that may be
jointly offered to businesses going forward. Those negotiations are continuing.
Western Australia is and will be highlighting where there are challenges in the
tourism industry, a number of which I highlighted in answer to the member's
question last week.
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