Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

This week I was proud to announce my intention to start the parliamentary friends of caravanning group here in Parliament House. This new cross-partisan group, led by me and Scott Buchholz MP, will share how caravans and motorhomes have built the great Australian road trip adventure. Over countless years and eras Australia's expansive roads and regional wonders have enlightened Australians to explore our beautiful country—from the Lockhart River in Queensland down to Port Arthur in gorgeous Tasmania.

While caravanning has brought immense joy to great Australian nomads and families, that is not the only value this uniquely Australian experience has brought to our country. The caravanning and motorhomes industry is also one of the biggest supporters of regional jobs, tourism operators and small businesses in this nation. They've encouraged those here and abroad to get in a caravan and travel to places otherwise less accessible for other modes of transportation. In turn, these industries have helped to stimulate consumption jobs, cultural value and growth in remote communities across Australia. This is why it is so important for this parliament to be aware of the economic, social and cultural value of caravanning and motorhoming in this great nation.

In my home state of Tasmania the potential for a booming caravan and motorhome industry is unbelievable. However, the state Liberal government can take a number of modest actions to boost this sector that are full of benefits to both consumers and businesses. These include improving the standard of caravan parks and establishing or adding free camping spaces so that we're inviting visitors to spend longer in our home state. This is a role that state government can be playing. It will bring more money to our economy. It's showcasing the jewel in the crown of this great nation of ours, and I—