Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Senator Birmingham. Tourism, of course, brings millions of dollars into the Australian economy each year, with over 9.3 million tourists visiting each year alone, bringing an investment of $12.3 billion; yet, because of these extreme fires, tourists have been leaving many of our favourite spots in droves, while businesses have had to lay off staff, businesses have had loss of income and communities continue to suffer. Isn't it true that the only assistance that your government has offered to these businesses in bushfire affected regions who are suffering because of this huge downturn in tourism is a concessional loan, which puts business into more debt, or recovery grants, which are only available to those who have been directly affected? Minister, does it take a burnt shopfront before your government will step in and help?