Andrew Broad (Mallee, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to encourage Australians to have holidays in the regions. I want more Australians to see more of Australia more often. Our fuel prices are cheaper than they have been in the last five years. You will not need to worry about bad exchange rates if you go on a holiday in regional Australia—no airport delays, no jet lag, no being cramped in budget airlines with economy seats.

Those who are regional members across this House will tell you about all the wonderful places there are to visit. In the electorate of Mallee we have the Grampians—fantastic places for bushwalks and to see the wildlife with the zoo. We have Brambuk National Park and the cultural centre. We have Mount Arapiles if you are an adventurous rock climber. Over Easter we have the Stawell Gift, one of the most famous bush races in the world. I will be there but I will not be racing, because I know where I would come. We have Horsham with wonderful places; the pioneer settlement in Swan Hill; Mildura with its great food, its paddle steamers, its day tours to Mungo National Park, its fine dining and its brewery.

This autumn I would encourage everyone to consider a short or even a long holiday in regional Australia. I firmly believe we are blessed with the most beautiful country in the world. Quality time in regional Australia will be good for you, good for our economy, and I guarantee will reinforce your love for this diverse and amazing country. Have a holiday in regional Australia!