Mr KNIGHT - 2006-02-23
There have been a number of comments about the effect antisocial behaviour has on our tourism industry. In relation to that, how well did we cope with the recent arrival of two international ships in Darwin at the same time?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his question. There have been some concerns over a period of time in regards to the humbugging that does occur in Darwin, particularly in The Mall. Those concerns are espoused by tourists themselves, and also by retailers and other businesses in the immediate vicinity.
I am happy to advise, member for Daly, that there is a positive outcome in regards to some of the concerns that you raised. The Chamber of Commerce has been very active. You will be aware that they represent in excess of 1300 businesses across the Northern Territory. They have been working very closely with the Community Harmony Strategy to address some of these antisocial behaviour issues. That gave rise to a well-attended meeting to develop a strategy to address the Aurora visit on 21 February, which was of immense benefit to the Territory economy. Good experiences were reported from the tourists, and I have been advised that many of them will come back - that is a very positive outcome.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Commerce, Ms Menzies, issued a media release in which she advised that the, ‘Chamber of Commerce NT is delighted with the positive feedback they received from all concerned following the recent cruise ship visit to Darwin’. She went on to, ‘… pay tribute to the Larrakia Nation in providing a helping hand with what we believe will have positive outcomes for all concerned’. Ms Menzies also congratulated the Northern Territory police for their involvement and assistance in this area.
Darwin City Marketing said in a letter:
They paid tribute to the Northern Territory Police Force, Community Harmony, the Larrakia Nation and the Kenbi Dancers. It went on to say:
This is a very positive exercise. However, it is not something that is going to stop, it is going to continue. The Community Harmony Strategy and the NT Chamber of Commerce will be meeting again soon, I believe on 2 March, and they will continue to devise strategies and policies which are going to enhance tourism and the economy in Darwin and across the Northern Territory.
I particularly thank Tammy White and Yvette Carolin from the Community Harmony Strategy who have been working very hard; Graham Poon, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Commerce; and Michelle Menzies, Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
In conclusion, this is a very mature response to dealing with these issues in the Territory and I congratulate all involved.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his question. There have been some concerns over a period of time in regards to the humbugging that does occur in Darwin, particularly in The Mall. Those concerns are espoused by tourists themselves, and also by retailers and other businesses in the immediate vicinity.
I am happy to advise, member for Daly, that there is a positive outcome in regards to some of the concerns that you raised. The Chamber of Commerce has been very active. You will be aware that they represent in excess of 1300 businesses across the Northern Territory. They have been working very closely with the Community Harmony Strategy to address some of these antisocial behaviour issues. That gave rise to a well-attended meeting to develop a strategy to address the Aurora visit on 21 February, which was of immense benefit to the Territory economy. Good experiences were reported from the tourists, and I have been advised that many of them will come back - that is a very positive outcome.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Commerce, Ms Menzies, issued a media release in which she advised that the, ‘Chamber of Commerce NT is delighted with the positive feedback they received from all concerned following the recent cruise ship visit to Darwin’. She went on to, ‘… pay tribute to the Larrakia Nation in providing a helping hand with what we believe will have positive outcomes for all concerned’. Ms Menzies also congratulated the Northern Territory police for their involvement and assistance in this area.
Darwin City Marketing said in a letter:
- It is not every day that Darwin has to cope with an influx of 2500 cruise ship passengers, but yesterday, we, the City of Darwin,
achieved this with a welcome only Territorians could manage.
From the Cruise Ship Facilitation Committee, which transfers passengers to tours and city buses, to the helpful traders
throughout the city, the passengers had such a positive experience that many were vowing to return.
They paid tribute to the Northern Territory Police Force, Community Harmony, the Larrakia Nation and the Kenbi Dancers. It went on to say:
- Traders report that the two days were ‘magic’ in terms of no antisocial behaviour. Given that many people visit the Territory
to learn about Aboriginal culture, it was great to have such a positive interaction between Aboriginal people and our visitors.
This is a very positive exercise. However, it is not something that is going to stop, it is going to continue. The Community Harmony Strategy and the NT Chamber of Commerce will be meeting again soon, I believe on 2 March, and they will continue to devise strategies and policies which are going to enhance tourism and the economy in Darwin and across the Northern Territory.
I particularly thank Tammy White and Yvette Carolin from the Community Harmony Strategy who have been working very hard; Graham Poon, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Commerce; and Michelle Menzies, Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
In conclusion, this is a very mature response to dealing with these issues in the Territory and I congratulate all involved.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016