Trade Subcommittee visits Great Ocean Road and Ballarat

THE Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Port Campbell today for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors, with an additional public hearing to be held tomorrow in Ballarat.

The subcommittee will hear evidence from a range of stakeholders in regional Victoria’s tourism industry, including First Nations corporations, regional tourism organisations, small businesses and heritage tourism operators.

Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, said, "The Great Ocean Road continues to be an iconic tourist destination in regional Victoria and the subcommittee is looking forward to gaining insights into what can be done to further encourage overseas visitors into this region. In travelling to Ballarat, the subcommittee will better understand how heritage tourism in places like the Goldfields and the Sovereign Hill Living Museum may be an untapped opportunity for Australia.

"In its quest to better understand the unique tourism experiences offered across Australia, the subcommittee is interested to hear different perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing operators in this part of regional Australia," Senator O’Neill said. "We also look forward to continuing our discussions about the connections between tourism and international education, and the role of international students in the operations of universities in regional Australia."

Further information about the inquiry and programs for both hearings are available on the inquiry webpage.

Public hearing – Port Campbell

Date: Tuesday, 3 October 2023
Venue: Sunset Room, Port Campbell Lifesaving Club, 1 Cairns St, Port Campbell, VIC
Time: 9am – 12pm (AEDT)

Public hearing – Ballarat

Date: Wednesday, 4 October 2023
Venue: Federation University, SMB Campus Rooms A211 and A214, Building A, Lydiard Street, Ballarat
Time: 9:20am – 2pm (AEDT).

 

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