$1.2 billion is to be spent subsidising 50% of the cost of flights, 14 routes out of the 34 to Queensland.
The capital cities of other states missed out which is odd when Sydney Harbour and the Opera House consistently top the polls in most visited places, then there’s Bondi Beach and the UNESCO Blue Mountains. Why just Merimbula? Victoria gets two destinations, both to Avalon from the Gold Coast and Sydney.
The Government says more destinations may come if needed.
Could it be that the Feb Morgan Poll showing a 6.4% swing against LNP in Queensland is a factor?
Could it be that the Feb Morgan Poll showing a 6.4% swing against LNP in Queensland is a factor?
Whatever the motivation, it’s clearly unfair and worse, open to rorting. Arbitrary, piecemeal arrangements are wide open for vested interest deals and electoral advantage.
Our government’s support package will help get more Australians into those tourist areas most impacted by border lockdowns he said.
Tourism Minister, Dan Tehan
So Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth were not heavily impacted?
The tourism sector asked for $7.7 billion. That may be right but what’s for sure is that the Australian public will not get to know the rationale behind the $1.2 billion or whatever else is spent. At least JobKeeper was fair to all – demonstrate a covid-related downturn in business and you would be entitled to assistance.
The rest of the country is left in the lurch as JobKeeper disappears.
Photo by Robert Lynch on Unsplash