Qld: Beattie revises gloomy predictions for tourism industy

AAP General News (Australia)
04-17-2000
Qld: Beattie revises gloomy predictions for tourism industy

Queensland Premier PETER BEATTIE has hinted at more money for the state's tourism industry
following his gloomy predictions about the impact of the GST.

Mr BEATTIE yesterday predicted the introduction of the GST in July would have a severe
negative impact on Queensland's tourism industry, which generates eight per cent of economic
activity in the state.

He was quoting from a Tourism Task Force estimate that the GST would result in a 12
per cent cut in the level of inbound tourism and the loss of 24,500 jobs Australia-wide.

But turning the first sod on the $8 million Airlie Beach lagoon today, Mr BEATTIE said
the outlook for tourism wasn't so grim.

Mr BEATTIE says the state government is poised to announce more programs to help the
tourism industry deal with the new tax regime.

Deputy Opposition leader LAWRENCE SPRINGBORG has called on Mr BEATTIE to stop talking
down the state's tourism industry.

AAP RTV bja/sc/smf/jn

KEYWORD: TAX BEATTIE (AIRLIE BEACH)

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