Improving confidence great news for tourism

New confidence across the economy is great news for Australia's $107 billion tourism industry, according to the Federal Coalition's tourism spokesperson, Bob Baldwin.

Baldwin, the former shadow Tourism spokesperson explained "the Westpac-Melbourne Institute survey of consumer confidence shows Australians expect a significant improvement in the year ahead and we know that Australia's tourism industry is a major beneficiary of improved consumer confidence.

"Earlier this year respected global property advisers Jones Lang LaSalle reported that, while our political environment and system of government was a strength, political chaos and inconsistent policy was a threat to investment in Australia's tourism industry.

"With the failed minority government experiment now behind us, and the Coalition purposefully and methodically preparing for government, Australia will once again have an administration that welcomes and supports investment in our tourism industry.

"The Coalition's Policy for Tourism will lower the tax burden on tourism businesses by rescinding Labor's carbon tax; freezing the Passenger Movement Charge; and lowering company tax.

"After six years in Government, a cut in funding for Tourism Australia and billions of dollars of new tourism taxes, Labor didn't even take a tourism policy to the last election."

Incoming Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott is expected to announce his first cabinet and Ministerial responsibilities next week.

The Consumer Sentiment Index is an average of five component indexes which reflect consumers' evaluations of their household financial situation over the past year and the coming year, anticipated economic conditions over the coming year and the next five years, and buying conditions for major household items.

The latest survey can be viewed at

http://melbourneinstitute.com/miaesr/publications/indicators/csi.html