Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

Following consultation with industry right across the country, we announced a $76 million package to assist the Australian tourism industry to rebuild, to see it through these tough times. We recognise that, first and foremost, getting new bookings into businesses that have seen significant cancellations and sweeping downturns in bookings is essential. That's why we've stood up a domestic marketing initiative, something that Tourism Australia has not undertaken for many, many years. We've stepped back into that space with a $20 million domestic marketing initiative, the Holiday Here This Year campaign, and that is a message I would encourage all Australians to heed and consider. Wherever it's possible to do so, think about making a booking. Just as Senator Cash was saying before, these people are open for business, and the best thing that Australians who want to help can do is to make a booking in a fire affected region and right across Australia's tourism industry. Make a booking and holiday here this year. (Time expired)