Mr BALCH - 1998-04-30
Recently, I was asked to chair a session of a very exciting conference that is to be held in this Chamber tomorrow. This conference will bring together some 350 of this country's most influential operators in the convention industry. How is the Territory being positioned to capture a further share of this important tourism market?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am particularly pleased to see government members taking an interest in the tourism industry. We do not have much interest from the other side ...
Mr Bailey: We ask for a briefing and we are
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fobbed off.
Mr STONE: I pick up the interjection from the member for Wanguri. It has been my experience that briefings have been extended to any members of the opposition who have sought them. However, while I am on my feet, I want to make available to the Leader of the Opposition a letter dated 23 April, one week ago, that was sent to her:
I refer to your letter of 8 April 1998, claiming that your office received advice from the protocol and public affairs
unit prior to sending correspondence to the Duke of Edinburgh. If this is the case, I am most concerned that
incorrect advice may have been provided by staff who usually pride themselves on their detailed knowledge of
government protocols. Unfortunately, no officer can recall providing your office with the advice. I would therefore
appreciate advice as to the particular officer with whom your staff made contact, and information as to the question
asked, so that a recurrence of this situation can be avoided.
Madam Speaker, I table a copy of the letter.
Mrs Hickey: I will be pleased to respond. I have never seen the letter.
Mr STONE: I can only conclude that you are so incompetent that you cannot run your own office.
I return to the question. The question relates to the annual meeting of the Meetings Industry Association of Australia and it is to happen in Darwin, in this Chamber. This is a very opportune and important conference. I congratulate the organisers and those who have been instrumental in bringing it to the Territory because this industry conference is all about the people who organise conferences and meetings throughout Australia and overseas. We are expecting some 347 registered delegates, mostly from within Australia and New Zealand, but also from throughout the region. It is a good sign that we have those continuing threads into South-East Asia, notwithstanding the current difficulties.
This Meetings Industry Association conference is to be chaired by the member for Jingili, and I congratulate him on his involvement. It will demonstrate what the industry in the Northern Territory, not only in Darwin but also down the Track, has to offer as a convention and meeting centre. The conference is to be styled Your Pathway to the Top. I congratulate those members of the Northern Territory Tourist Commission who have worked together with private sector participants to ensure the success of the conference. The major sponsors are the Northern Territory Convention Bureau, Intercity Gearhouse, Qantas and MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. There are numerous other sponsors, both local and interstate, and it is pleasing to see that support.
A member interjecting.
Mr STONE: If I picked up the interjection correctly, the member for Wanguri has not been invited. All I can say is that he can do what other people do. He can seek a registration form, pay his money and go to the conference. I am sure that he will be very welcome.
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ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am particularly pleased to see government members taking an interest in the tourism industry. We do not have much interest from the other side ...
Mr Bailey: We ask for a briefing and we are
Page 234
fobbed off.
Mr STONE: I pick up the interjection from the member for Wanguri. It has been my experience that briefings have been extended to any members of the opposition who have sought them. However, while I am on my feet, I want to make available to the Leader of the Opposition a letter dated 23 April, one week ago, that was sent to her:
I refer to your letter of 8 April 1998, claiming that your office received advice from the protocol and public affairs
unit prior to sending correspondence to the Duke of Edinburgh. If this is the case, I am most concerned that
incorrect advice may have been provided by staff who usually pride themselves on their detailed knowledge of
government protocols. Unfortunately, no officer can recall providing your office with the advice. I would therefore
appreciate advice as to the particular officer with whom your staff made contact, and information as to the question
asked, so that a recurrence of this situation can be avoided.
Madam Speaker, I table a copy of the letter.
Mrs Hickey: I will be pleased to respond. I have never seen the letter.
Mr STONE: I can only conclude that you are so incompetent that you cannot run your own office.
I return to the question. The question relates to the annual meeting of the Meetings Industry Association of Australia and it is to happen in Darwin, in this Chamber. This is a very opportune and important conference. I congratulate the organisers and those who have been instrumental in bringing it to the Territory because this industry conference is all about the people who organise conferences and meetings throughout Australia and overseas. We are expecting some 347 registered delegates, mostly from within Australia and New Zealand, but also from throughout the region. It is a good sign that we have those continuing threads into South-East Asia, notwithstanding the current difficulties.
This Meetings Industry Association conference is to be chaired by the member for Jingili, and I congratulate him on his involvement. It will demonstrate what the industry in the Northern Territory, not only in Darwin but also down the Track, has to offer as a convention and meeting centre. The conference is to be styled Your Pathway to the Top. I congratulate those members of the Northern Territory Tourist Commission who have worked together with private sector participants to ensure the success of the conference. The major sponsors are the Northern Territory Convention Bureau, Intercity Gearhouse, Qantas and MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. There are numerous other sponsors, both local and interstate, and it is pleasing to see that support.
A member interjecting.
Mr STONE: If I picked up the interjection correctly, the member for Wanguri has not been invited. All I can say is that he can do what other people do. He can seek a registration form, pay his money and go to the conference. I am sure that he will be very welcome.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016