David Littleproud calls for a ‘broader conversation’ with the NT government to repair tourism industry

Northern Australia Minister David Littleproud has flagged the need for more supports for the throttled NT tourism industry on a visit to the Northern Territory.

NORTHERN Australia Minister David Littleproud has called for a “broader conversation” between the federal and NT governments about supporting the return of the tourism industry to Central Australia and beyond.

Speaking in Alice Springs on Monday, Mr Littleproud said the two levels of government should work together to mitigate the “secondary impacts” that domestic and international border closures have had on the key industry.

“There needs to be a broader conversation with our state colleagues about the secondary impacts of what has happened to the tourism industry – not only here but in North Queensland – that you’re really seeing the economic impacts,” he said.

“We (the commonwealth) have looked after the employees and we’ve said to the states that they look after the businesses.

“Do we work with the states in supporting those businesses and those individuals? That’s the conversation I think we now need to have because the secondary impacts … are serious, and I think that comes in partnership and that will be a test of our federation.”

Alluding to further announcements “skewed towards tourism infrastructure” under the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), the Nationals deputy leader said investment in tourism was important to making sure Australia has something “that tourists want to see”.

Northern Australia Minister David Littleproud visited the National Road Transport Hall of Fame museum in Alice Springs. Picture: Lee Robinson.

“The first step is getting Australia open and able to travel, and that’s the southern states in particular,” he said.

“If we can open them up, then there’s plenty in Sydney and Melbourne itching to get out of their rooms and get out and see Australia.

“But the international market is going to take some time – you have to get confidence, so we have put in place mechanisms of support, from the airlines through to through to businesses impacted.”

Joined by Country Liberal Party candidate for Senate Jacinta Price and CLP federal candidate for Lingiari Damien Ryan, Mr Littleproud said he was excited to be alongside “real people that want to champion their communities”.

“The National Party and the CLP don’t purport to represent Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane – not interested,” he said.

“They’ve got plenty of politicians. We want real people that are going to make real impact to the people that live out here – to change their lives for the better, to leave a legacy for this generation and generations to come.

“You’ve got a mayor, and former deputy mayor of Alice Springs. I think that speaks volumes about certain leadership, and about the fact that these two are prepared to put their hand up to leave a bigger legacy … for the Territory.”