Liza Harvey appointed Western Australia's new tourism minister

Western Australian Police Minister Liza Harvey has added the Tourism portfolio to her Ministerial responsibilites, a move welcomed by the Tourism Council of Western Australia.

The ministerial move occured as a result of the forced resignation of previous minister Dr Kim Hames, after he admitted to incorrectly claiming country accommodation allowances between 2009 and 2011.

Announcing the appointment, Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett stated "Liza has a well-demonstrated enthusiasm for Western Australia and its fantastic tourism potential.

"As Member for Scarborough - one of Perth's most popular tourism destinations - I know she is already well aware of many of the issues in the tourism portfolio."

"She also has experience with the tourism industry through her familys tackle shop business.

The Tourism Council of Western Australia has welcomed the appointment, with Chief Executive Evan Hall stating "we are delighted to be working with a senior and respected member of cabinet.

"The Ministers first job will be to deliver the $6 million additional funding in this year's budget, so we can win back the leisure tourists that regional WA relies on" said Mr Hall.

"The $6 million marketing promise will deliver about $120 million in tourist spending across WA, creating about 2,000 jobs.

"With hotel rates and the Australian dollar falling, the now is the time to invest in leisure tourism to make up for the decline in mining.

"Every dollar the government invest in marketing, the industry will match.

"We've been in 'no man's land' due to the advertising freeze and change of Minister. With a new Minister we are now looking for certainty that the government will deliver its election promise."

Minister Harvey's former responsibility for small busiess has been added to Minister Joe Francis' existing portfolios of Corrective Services; Emergency Services; and Veterans.