SENATOR DON FARRELL
 MINISTER FOR TRADE AND TOURISM
SPECIAL MINISTER OF STATE
 
SENATOR MALARNDIRRI MCCARTHY
MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
SENATOR FOR THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
 
MARION SCRYMGOUR MP
 MEMBER FOR LINGIARI 


LABOR IS BACKING THE RED CENTRE

 
There are few places as iconic as central Australia, which features some of our country’s most amazing natural wonders such as Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Watarrka (Kings Canyon).
 
The re-elected Albanese Labor Government will put the Red Centre back at the heart of our tourism offerings with a landmark commitment of $8.5 million to reinvigorate Central Australia's tourism industry to develop new tourism experiences, attract visitors and back small business.
 
The multi-pronged investment is designed to revitalise the region’s tourism economy which has faced challenges in recent years. This election commitment includes marketing initiatives and targeted support to help operators and delivers both short and long-term opportunities.
 
The package includes:

• $5 million for Tourism Central Australia to lead a targeted attraction campaign aimed at bringing visitors back to the Red Centre.
• $2.5 million to establish an Alice Springs Tourism Development Fund, encouraging tourism operators to develop new and innovative offerings that will drive renewed interest and activity in the region.
• $1 million in Revival and Resilience Grants to help small boutique tourism operators in Alice Springs stay open and operational while the sector continues to recover.

The Albanese Labor Government knows the immense value of our tourism sector, and we will continue to work to see it thrive.
 
Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
 
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell:
 
“This is about backing local jobs, backing local businesses, and backing the future of Central Australia.
 
“The funding will help businesses evolve and create exciting experiences that attract both domestic and international visitors.
 
“Tourism is not just about holidays—it's about livelihoods. This investment will help get more people into work, more businesses back on their feet, and more visitors enjoying everything this incredible region has to offer.”
 
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
 
“The Red Centre is the heart of Australia with some of our most iconic natural wonders.
 
“Tourism and First Nations tourism is a crucial part of the Central Australian economy, supporting local jobs, local businesses and local communities.
 
“The Albanese Labor Government knows the importance of investing in Central Australia, its people and its future."
 
Quotes attributable to Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour:
 
“This investment is a vote of confidence in our region.
 
“This funding shows that we’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our tourism operators. Whether it’s a small eco-tour company, a cultural experience, or a new tourism development – this support will help get local people into jobs and keep the heart of the NT beating strong.
 
“Tourism is a cornerstone of our local economy, and these initiatives will ensure businesses have the support they need to thrive.
 
“Central Australia has so much to offer, and we want the world to know it. This will help put us back front and centre in the minds of travellers.”

THURSDAY, 17 APRIL 2025