Debate resumed from an earlier hour.

Mr JAMIE PARKER (Balmain) [12.19 p.m.]: The object of the Destination NSW Bill 2011 is to establish Destination NSW as a government agency with the purpose of developing tourism and procuring major events. The Greens are generally supportive of the bill, but I will address a few questions to the Minister to which I hope he will respond during his reply. The tourism industry contributes significant income and employment to New South Wales and has the potential to greatly expand its contribution. Clause 12 provides that the principal object of Destination NSW is to achieve economic and social benefits for the people of New South Wales through the development of tourism and securing major events. Clause 13 sets out the functions of Destination NSW, which include marketing and promoting New South Wales as a tourist destination and as a destination in which to host major events.

Consolidation of the State's various tourism bodies should increase the effectiveness of tourism promotion and deliver improved tourism performance. I note the contributions to the debate made by rural and regional members. There is a clear need for the Government to consider more investment in rural and regional transport. Expansion of transport facilities should be supported by every member of this House. While rural and regional New South Wales in particular has a great deal to offer, in the past it has suffered from a lack of government support and the failure of governments to encourage people to visit not just Sydney but the remainder of the State. While The Greens generally are supportive of the bill, I sound notes of caution in relation to the desire to attract major events. The issue has been considered in recent years by the Auditor-General.

Any deals done with promoters to attract major events must be economically justified and must comply with relevant legislative provisions for the protection of the environment. One area of significant concern to The Greens in recent years was the willingness of the former Government to override environmental protections in formulating extremely generous deals with event promoters. Often the deals resulted in the State spending large amounts of money for negligible financial return, while the process led to significant environmental damage. The $121 million of public money spent on World Youth Day and the tens of millions of dollars spent on the V8 races at Olympic Park are examples of the former Government doing a deal with event promoters that involved spending millions of dollars of taxpayer's money.

In the case of the V8 races, the former Government introduced legislation to override State environmental protection laws, resulting in significant damage being done to the Olympic Park precinct for negligible economic benefit. Frequently the former Government understated the cost and overstated the benefit of hosting major events. I ask the Minister to commit to what the Premier discussed only five minutes ago in this House—transparency—and recognise that there should be more transparent processes and a greater release of information and cost-benefit analyses for major events as well as more details, within the constraints of commercial-in-confidence, of contractual arrangements that the Government undertakes to promote major events.

Let us leave behind the bad old days of opaque deal-making of the former Government. In particular, when it comes to cost-benefit analysis the Government should recognise Destination NSW as an important opportunity to demonstrate the Government's bona fides in relation to openness and transparency. I draw members' attention to the Auditor-General's report on the V8 races released in June 2010. The Auditor-General stated,

The five races are estimated to cost $10 million more than planned and provide nearly 25 per cent fewer benefits than expected.

In relation to World Youth Day, the Auditor-General stated:

The costs to the state for the World Youth Day festival in Sydney were $64 million more than initially budgeted. This raised concerns about whether the government is receiving the right advice on major events.

Members have called for increases in funding for rural and regional transport yet a major event cost New South Wales taxpayers $64 million more than was originally budgeted. It is obvious that there is an opportunity for the Minister to work closely with Destination NSW to ensure that the type of advice the Government receives on events and the cost-benefit analyses upon which the Government relies when embarking on major projects are rigorous, economically responsible and deliver the result that I know the Government is looking for, which is a significant increase in tourism to ensure that the State continues to grow and we have a burgeoning economy. It is hoped that the creation of Destination NSW will result in the Government receiving much better advice on the potential costs and benefits of major events in both economic and environmental terms. With respect, I ask the Minister to address those issues during his reply and indicate that the Government will address the lessons that have been learned from mistakes made by the former Government.

I trust that the current Government will ensure that cost-benefit analyses and initial budgeting, which was a feature of the past, are not the approach adopted in the future. One area of tourism that is of particular interest in my electorate of Balmain is the cruise ship industry. As many members know, cruise ships are experiencing increased demand. Cruise ship tourism offers significant potential to attract increased numbers of tourists not only to Sydney but also to other areas throughout the whole of New South Wales. I trust that Destination NSW will consult extensively with the cruise ship industry to ensure that appropriate facilities are made available for the berthing of cruise ships in Sydney Harbour. Members know that I have asked several questions about moving the cruise ship terminal from Barangaroo to White Bay. That move is opposed by the industry, Carnival Cruise Lines, the Tourism and Transport Forum, local councils and the local community. It is supported by Joe Tripodi, and that is about it.

In my view and in the view of the industry as well as operators that will use the facility it is important for the Government to consider this move very carefully. The installation of such significant infrastructure, which will cost approximately $70 million, should be in a place where industry wants it—and industry does not want it in White Bay—and in a place in which the community wants it. And the community does not want it in White Bay either. We should also make sure that the bay's precinct, which includes White Bay, Black Wattle Bay and Rozelle Bay, is dealt with in an integrated and constructive manner not only so that local businesses and local residents benefit but also so that tourism, which has developed for the most part due to Sydney's beautiful harbour, continues to flourish.

While I sound notes of caution in relation to this bill, The Greens look forward to the Minister addressing the concerns during his reply. I know that the Minister is approaching this legislation with goodwill. I trust that New South Wales will avoid some of the terrible and egregious overspending of initial costings that befell the former Government. The most important thing in my mind is that cost-benefit analyses, which are the most critical steps, are carried out properly. The Government must make sure that the work of Destination NSW is open, transparent and accountable, that it will maximise the capacity of the State to receive the best result from expenditure, and that all the people of Sydney and New South Wales will benefit as we provide a wonderful experience for people who visit this great country.

Dr GEOFF LEE (Parramatta) [12.27 p.m.]: I support the Destination NSW Bill 2011, which reflects the Government's whole-of-government approach to tourism and major events at both ministerial and departmental level. Destination NSW combines the Tourism and Major Events portfolios under the administration of one Minister, our excellent Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, and Minister for the Arts, George Souris, to overcome turf wars and provide coordination across portfolios that are closely linked. The importance of major events in tourism to the State's economy cannot be underestimated. Tourism generates 160,000 jobs and a turnover of $28 billion. Destination NSW will bring together budgets, knowledge and expertise to double tourism by 2020. It will become one consolidated organisation to make New South Wales the most appealing destination in the world for business or leisure.

Destination NSW will be a statutory body that will market, promote and position New South Wales and Sydney as the most appealing places to visit. It will promote Sydney for hosting major events, international conventions, exhibitions and association conferences. The Government already has committed to delivering a cutting-edge new convention facility to create more than 20,000 square metres of new space to complement the Sydney Showground at Olympic Park and facilities at Darling Harbour. Destination NSW will encourage investment in the tourism economy of this State through a whole-of-government united approach. Prior to the election the New South Wales Liberals and Nationals announced an increase in budget by $40 million for Destination NSW over four years.

Sydney is the gateway for tourism and major events. It is a world-class city and a global city. We want to build upon the opportunity that New South Wales affords, and we have already started. Since the election the Minister has announced major events that include the 2015 Touch Football Cup, Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom, which will be a world premiere, The Addams Family, which is an Australian premiere, and Legally Blonde, which is another Australian premiere.

Sydney not only is the gateway to New South Wales, but also Australia, and it has natural advantages that we must leverage, such as the world's best harbour. Experiences on the harbour such as cruises, whale watching, jet boating or fishing, which is what I like, are open to all people, whether domestic or international visitors. Sydney also has its iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Tens of thousands of people climb the bridge every year to gain a better perspective of Sydney and enjoy what it has to offer. We have cultural destinations, some of the best museums in Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and many great theatres. Similarly we have the Darling Harbour, Pitt Street Mall and The Rocks shopping precincts. There is something for everybody, international or domestic.

But there is more to New South Wales than Sydney. Within an hour or two drive tourists also can enjoy the northern beaches. I am sure the member for Pittwater would agree that those beaches are spectacular. Sailing on the waters of the Pittwater also is a fantastic opportunity for visitors. The member for Blue Mountains already has attested to the beauty of Wentworth Falls, shopping in Leura, the expansive views surrounding the Three Sisters and the bushland setting for walking, leisure activities, food and accommodation. Of course, the member for Maitland will attest to some of the world's best vineyards, wine tasting and accommodation in the Hunter Valley. Rural areas also offer excellent destinations. Whether it is Dubbo, Orange or the Thredbo snowfields, New South Wales has something to offer everybody and every taste. However, most people do not understand that right at Sydney's doorstep is its best-kept secret: Parramatta, which also has many hidden secrets. I shall share with the House some of the secrets of wonderful Parramatta.

Mr Andrew Fraser: Where is Parramatta?

Dr GEOFF LEE: It is 25 kilometres west of the Sydney central business district. Parramatta is the geographic heart of Sydney and serves the whole of western Sydney. Parramatta is a fantastic place. One needs to take only a quick leisurely 40-minute RiverCat ferry trip from Circular Quay to Parramatta and pick up the loop bus seven days a week for a free tour around the major destinations of Parramatta, including shops, eateries and cultural places of interest. The free loop bus is a four-year $2.4 million funding commitment of the Minister for Transport. Parramatta also is renowned for its eat street: a crowded vibrant area that is open daily for almost 24 hours where people share in Middle Eastern, Asian, Italian, modern Australian cuisine either for take-away, fine dining or café-style dining. Visitors can attend Rosehill racecourse, the home of the spring carnival and the Golden Slipper. The club is considering spending a couple of hundred million dollars to expand and upgrade the facilities to make it a prestigious destination.

Of course, the Parramatta district also has the suburb of Harris Park. Many people do not know that Harris Park has transformed in the past five years into what is known as little India. I visit Harris Park regularly to eat Indian food. My favourite eateries include Ginger's, Billu's Eatery and Bombay Masala because they offer authentic food until 12 o'clock at night. Harris Park is a safe area and has changed so that we can share its vibrancy with a wonderful Australian-Indian community. Of course, the Riverside Theatre is another key attraction in Parramatta. Many members of Parliament make the special trip to attend the Parramatta Riverside theatres, which host over 700 performances every year. Another key destination point is Parramatta Stadium, home to the almighty Eels.

Mr Andrew Fraser: Almighty? What happened to them last year?

Dr GEOFF LEE: This football club has had a distinguished and credible reputation for many years. Of course, the Parramatta district has other clubs, including the Parramatta RSL and Parramatta Leagues Club. I attended the Parramatta Leagues Club for the opening of its new Firehouse Bar, which is a new stylish bar offering southern Italian food—pizza, pasta and tapas. Patrons can sit in comfort to eat, drink and view the football stadium from the club's rooftop. The Firehouse Bar is a wonderful addition to the club. Parramatta also has cultural events in addition to sporting events. The Parramatta artists' studio precinct is a progressive area providing for contemporary artists' productions.

The studio offers affordable residential and non-residential facilities and exhibition space for emerging and established contemporary practitioners and creative industry professionals to display their art and craft. It definitely is a place to visit by jumping on the loop bus. Of course, there are also the iconic parts of Parramatta as the birthplace of the nation some 25 kilometres west of Sydney. When Governor Phillip wanted to feed the colony he turned to Parramatta. Parramatta Park is the location of old Government House, which was the place the first Government located before moving to this place in which we meet today. Elizabeth Farm was John Macarthur's first residence and now hosts the biennial olive festival and many artist exhibitions.

The public also can visit Lancer Barracks, which are the first barracks occupied continuously for over 100 years. Parramatta also has the Female Factory, an important icon that we want to preserve. In the 1800s some 10,000 to 12,000 women passed through this reformatory institution, and it is complemented by the Female Orphanage, which is now situated in the grounds of the Rydalmere campus of the University of Western Sydney, comprising the oldest three-storey buildings in Australia and through which thousands of female orphans passed. Of course, Parramatta also has the old Kings School for which plans are being considered to refurbish and use as a potential arts cultural precinct adjacent to the almighty Parramatta River.

The Parramatta River is a wonderful natural icon that runs through the centre of the city and hosts the annual carp fishing contest, about which I spoke yesterday in this place. Not only do people from all ages enjoy catching the carp, this event helps to clean up the river, which is an essential element in looking after the environment. Parramatta holds sensational events. Minister Souris understands the vital importance of the need to decentralise events to Parramatta. The New Year's Eve festival includes fireworks, music and jet boat displays on the river. I was able to attend this year's celebrations along with around 30,000 to 35,000 people at what is really a family event because the fireworks commenced at 9.00 p.m. and people had left the precinct by 12.00 a.m.

Australia Day celebrations are held each year in Parramatta Park. I was privileged again to attend this year where there were also hot air balloons and different sorts of entertainment starting at 5.00 a.m. This spectacular event was attended by over 70,000 people. A Thai festival is held on the banks of Parramatta River usually attended by around 10,000 people. The Chinese New Year Festival is held in the Chinatown section of Parramatta. We have a diversity of these types of cultural events, including parts of the decentralised Sydney Festival. Parramasala Festival is a unique South Asian festival for the Australian-Indian community attended by roughly 50,000 people. It is unique because no other place in Australia holds a comparable event. We look forward again this year to growing that cultural event in support of the Indian community.

Of course, there also are the new community markets set up by the Parramatta Stadium Trust and held in the trust's car park to utilise areas previously not used for the convenience of the community. Those markets enable farmers, artists and local businesses to promote their wares. For those who enjoy picnicking, the Parramatta River frontage recently was enhanced to beautify the area for everyone and will be enhanced further. We also have the wonderful Parramatta Park. I encourage anyone interested in Parramatta to visit the Discovery Centre. I commend Parramatta City Council for hosting, supporting and encouraging tourism in Parramatta, and for its strategic planning of the city. All these events and different destination points would not be possible without the generous support of Parramatta council.

The Olympics in Sydney in 2000 should have been the catalyst for New South Wales to realise its full potential, yet this full potential has not been realised. I am encouraged by the Premier, who wants major events diversified from the central business district to reduce congestion. Parramatta is such an ideal place. It is not about moving the whole event but about extending the event to Parramatta. Parramatta is ideally situated to service western Sydney, which is home to 2.2 million people. Indeed, one in 10 people in Australia live in western Sydney, and Parramatta is at the centre. The New South Wales Government is committed to investing in vital infrastructure and services to support major events and tourism for both Sydney and rural tourism. That is why Destination NSW is essential to realise the full potential of New South Wales. I congratulate the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, and Minister for the Arts on his dedication to tourism and events in New South Wales. That is why I support the Destination NSW Bill. I commend the bill to the House.

Mr RICHARD AMERY (Mount Druitt) [12.40 p.m.]: The Destination NSW Bill 2011 is designed to establish a government entity called Destination NSW, which will be a government agency with functions relating to the development of tourism and obtaining major events for the State. I listened to many of the contributions, including that of the member for Parramatta. In supporting the bill, it does not follow that the bill is here because it is necessary to greatly improve tourism. The State, under the former Government and now this Government, has been very successful in both general tourism and in attracting major events to the State. Indeed, New South Wales has been number one for a long time, and no doubt it will continue to be the number one tourism destination.

I refer members to many questions and speeches made in the House by previous Ministers and Premiers to support my assessment about the success of New South Wales, Sydney and the regions in attracting tourism to our region. Tourism as a brand or product does not get the attention it deserves, especially when we see the economic value it produces for a State and the many businesses that rely on that trade. A good example of the magnitude of the industry comes to mind: when I was agriculture Minister I was involved in many briefings about disease outbreaks that affected the United Kingdom. Mad cow disease comes to mind, and the foot and mouth outbreaks were devastating to farming industries in the United Kingdom. The movement of people and livestock was restricted, and the whole cattle population in a certain area was slaughtered. The emotional side of that was world attention.

While the main focus was rightly on the farming sector, the impact on the United Kingdom tourism industry was greater, if we only measure the economic impact. We watched the terrible scenes of animals being destroyed and cremated on funeral pyres and we heard about the suicide of farmers in that particular region, yet the numbers show that the economic hit was in tourism as the countryside and regions were virtually closed down. As I said, tourism received secondary notice, probably fairly, but the economic impacts were greater in the tourism industry. In New South Wales at about the same time we had the outbreak of Newcastle disease. While the impact was nothing like the United Kingdom experience, it was not long before the impact on the management of the disease became apparent, affecting the poultry industry in some regions, particularly the Central Coast of New South Wales.

After we had restrictions, road blocks and so on, we started to look at where the major impacts hit. It was the tourist trade. In that case the main issue was to prevent another disease outbreak, but the economic hit was to the people running motels and businesses, roadside dining places and holiday resorts. It has been said many times that just about every business has a stake in a successful tourist trade in their area and in the State. It is interesting to see what places or events attract people to visit an area and spend their money. Why do they choose particular locations to visit? All the publications on Australia feature the national icons, including the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Indeed, everything Sydney is always on the list. Also featured are the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock or Uluru, the Great Ocean Road from South Australia to Victoria and various locations in Tasmania.

Today I heard that some country towns in New South Wales have become quite successful in attracting tourism to their towns. I recall a town in Tasmania called Sheffield, named after the big steel city in England, where murals were put up all over town to make the town different and to attract tourists. Busloads of tourists were diverting to the town just to see the murals. It is interesting to see how some towns, local councils and so on are becoming entrepreneurial in how they attract people to their little part of the world. I will not repeat the statistics, but I will recount some experiences of family I hosted in Australia.

Over the past decade I had some cousins from England visit. First it was Irene Howell from Nottingham and later Marlene and Robert Gudgeon from Whalley in Lancashire. Both of those trips, at different times, resulted in them staying in Sydney with family—including me. As visitors to Sydney they asked what sites would be interesting, and they asked the locals what we thought they would like to see. They also came with many of their own ideas. I suppose the question is: how do people in the northern parts of England find out about attractions in Australia? Obviously Australia and Australian tourism are publicised worldwide. As visitors to Sydney my cousins had destinations they wanted to see.

I will highlight the venues they wanted to see while they were in Sydney: the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Parliament House, Hyde Park and Darling Harbour. Being from England, they wanted to see Botany Bay, the landing place of Captain Cook. Everyone over there wanted to see Bondi Beach, so putting a toe in the sand at Bondi was on the agenda. However, as a local I do not see any difference between Bondi Beach and any other beach on the coast of New South Wales, but visitors from the northern hemisphere have to see Bondi Beach. The Sydney heads and lunch at Watsons Bay come to mind. Moving out of the Sydney environment, they also wanted to see the Blue Mountains, particularly the Three Sisters and the various villages around the Blue Mountains area.

I noted the comments of the member for Keira about the Illawarra. The scenery of that region was popular with my guests, especially the blow hole at Kiama, various points around Wollongong and the like. I will not detail the entire trip and bore members to death with my experiences, but it was an education to me what people coming to this country had in mind that they wanted to see. They had got their information from tourism promotions in the United Kingdom, perhaps reading magazines, taking advice from travel agents and so on. The various destinations I mentioned were very much on their agenda. One of my favourite locations is in country New South Wales. I am pleased that members have mentioned the New South Wales regions because they must always battle to take a slice of the tourism dollar. I have a longstanding interest in the town of Cootamundra. My daughter's family live there, and I own a weekender in the town.

My United Kingdom visitors saw this town on a family visit, and the visit to Bradman's birthplace was appreciated. Towns like Cootamundra are struggling to attract their share of the multibillion dollar tourism industry. We all hear about Tamworth and its country music focus, and Parkes was mentioned earlier as having done extremely well in such a short time by creating an annual event around the king of rock and roll, Elvis Presley. These events attract a large number of people, all spending money on accommodation, meals, fuel for cars—any activity that creates money and business, and supports business, which in turn supports jobs. The member for Parramatta referred to all of his electorate. Like him, I represent western Sydney where perhaps a lot of the people who spend money on tourism reside. My area does not have the big tourism attractions of the coast or Parramatta, but there has been substantial investment by tourism builders, with the resort at the Rooty Hill RSL Club.

When I became a member of Parliament there were virtually no motels in the region but now they are all around Blacktown. Blacktown has done substantial work to restore old buildings but not to the same level as Parramatta. The Featherdale Farm is a big attraction for tourists on the bus circuit. The member for Parramatta highlighted mini-tourism on the weekend, with the market fraternity attracting people to towns and cities. Indeed, the Parramatta, Windsor and the Hawkesbury councils have done that very well. Thousands of people are attracted to spend money not only in the markets but also in nearby restaurants. For a long time Blacktown City Council has had an aversion to approving markets; instead, it should pick up its game and promote weekend markets. Destination NSW could brief the council on how much money weekend markets bring to a region. Goulburn benefits from them and they complement a number of its major events, including the Big Merino markets.

The Opposition supports this bill. People have many reasons to choose an area in which to holiday and spend their money. The role of Destination NSW will be to continue to keep New South Wales at the forefront of tourism in this country. My briefing note shows that up until September 2010 visitors injected approximately $28.2 billion a year into the New South Wales economy, supporting 162,000 jobs, nearly 5 per cent of all the jobs in this State. New South Wales attracts more tourists than any other Australian State or Territory, with approximately 36.3 per cent of all international and domestic overnight visitors coming to New South Wales in the year ending September 2010. New South Wales has always been the number one tourist spot. We wish Destination NSW all the very best of luck and good wishes for continued success in keeping our tourism industry at the forefront in this country. The Opposition will not oppose this bill.

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) [12.52 p.m.]: I support the Destination NSW Bill 2011 and further development of tourism in New South Wales. I commend the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing for introducing this bill. In New South Wales we are lucky to live in one of the world's unique environments within easy, accessible distance of rugged outback desert, tropical rainforest, outstanding beaches, snowfields and picturesque country towns. In 2009-10 New South Wales received 2.7 million international overnight visitors. Visitors spent almost 61.3 million nights in the State, up 5.6 per cent on the previous year. New South Wales received 52.4 per cent of visitors, and 34.6 per cent of nights spent in Australia. The average length of stay in New South Wales was 22.6 nights, up by 1.6 nights on the previous year. International overnight visitors spent on average $5.8 billion in New South Wales.

The Government's creation of a new statutory tourism authority, Destination NSW, is a demonstration of its commitment to dramatically boost tourism and help rebuild the State's economy. The new statutory authority will drive the Government's determination to double tourism expenditure in New South Wales by 2020. Destination NSW represents another key election commitment achieved under the Government's 100 Day Action Plan. The Government recognises the vital role that Sydney, as Australia's major global gateway and the nation's only global city, plays in supporting the New South Wales tourism and major events sector. Tourism and events are essential tools for rebuilding the New South Wales economy. They generate and support tens of thousands of jobs in Sydney and regional New South Wales and are worth billions of dollars a year to New South Wales.

It is commonly accepted that in 2000 Sydney played host to possibly the best Olympic Games ever held. Sydneysiders, and people all around the world and the State, saw this city's potential as a global events and tourism destination. It is also now accepted that we did not fully realise the opportunity to follow up on Sydney's success with the Olympic Games. This Government believes in Sydney's potential and is committed to helping Sydney realise its true calling as one of the world's greatest cities. We want to expand our marketing of Sydney, not just the central business district and the city's iconic attractions—there is a much bigger story to be told about Sydney's diverse precincts. We have heard earlier speakers talk about regional New South Wales. In Sydney, whether we are talking about fashion in Paddington or Double Bay, food in Cabramatta or Parramatta, the stunning natural environment of the Blue Mountains, our beaches in the southern suburbs or the uniquely diverse communities that make up my electorate, New South Wales has a lot to offer.

I strongly support the Destination Bill 2011, which will establish Destination NSW as a new statutory authority cohesive, coordinated and well resourced, and which is long overdue. Destination NSW will play a major part in helping to put Sydney firmly in the global spotlight as Australia's leading leisure and business destination. The establishment of Destination NSW will also bring together the budgets, knowledge and expertise of Tourism NSW and Events New South Wales into one consolidated, coordinated organisation that will market, promote and position Sydney—and New South Wales—as one of the world's most appealing places to visit. Destination NSW will have an industry-led, highly focused board of management, with one overarching priority—selling Sydney and New South Wales to the world. Promoting Sydney as a destination for hosting major global events, and more importantly securing those events, will be an important function of the new organisation.

While years of under-investment in Sydney's tourism and major events potential, including in infrastructure, have taken their toll, this Government is focused on helping Sydney fully realise its true potential, and I commend the Minister. The Government is committed to investment in infrastructure projects in Sydney that will have a significant positive impact on this city's future business and leisure tourism growth and that of regional New South Wales for which Sydney provides a major tourism gateway. The Government recognises that Sydney needs a world-class international convention and exhibition centre for this city to keep its rightful place as Australia's leading international host city for corporate, professional and association conferences and exhibitions. This is long overdue.

We have committed by 2015 to deliver a cutting-edge facility that will create in excess of 20,000 square metres of new floor space, which will ensure Sydney remains the premier city for international meetings and gatherings in the Asia-Pacific market. The new Convention Centre and the Sydney Showground facilities at Sydney Olympic Park, combined with Darling Harbour, will give Sydney more convention and exhibition space than any other city in Australia. In Sydney we have a priceless global asset the full potential of which is as yet not fully realised. With the creation of Destination NSW and the Government's commitments to invest in vital infrastructure and services to support tourism and events operators and visitors to Sydney, we now have the best chance in a generation to rebuild and reinvigorate Sydney's reputation and destination appeal. I support the bill and I commend the Minister for introducing it in the House.

Mr RICHARD TORBAY (Northern Tablelands) [12.59 p.m.]: I support the Destination NSW Bill 2011. I agree with the overwhelming majority of what has been said in this debate. From my perspective many well-intentioned government agencies, departments and offices have undertaken work to support tourism and events in New South Wales. In many cases numerous communities have worked very hard, usually with local government and other community organisations, to support and promote not only our regions and communities but also the whole State, including Sydney.

Though the agencies have been well-intentioned, have worked very hard and also been supportive, often they have also been fractious. Despite the best of intentions, that fractiousness can be less than helpful in achieving the outcomes sought. That the bill will bring the agencies together is a very positive step, and I commend the Minister and the Government for bringing it forward. The momentum created by a whole-of-government approach to tourism can assist in many ways, not only to achieve efficiencies and channelling of information to all of the organisations, which of itself has benefits. Destination NSW, in supporting Sydney and the enormous assets that make this city an international and global centre, can also unlock much information and direct some of the positive momentum generated there to assist regions. Unlocking that information may enable regions to include in programs events that they otherwise might not have known existed, such as sites and destinations to see, events to go to and so on. That can be of great assistance.

Sydney is a magnificent city. There is no doubt about that. People internationally, as the member for Mount Druitt pointed out, regard Sydney as having traditional icons that they want to see. But regions also play a significant part in enhancing the attractiveness of New South Wales. Many people of this State and Australia have not seen those attractions in our regional centres. I hope that the coordination of Tourism NSW and Events NSW will ensure that the data that those bodies have collected, as well as the work that they have done regarding connections, functions and events that they have been supporting, will not be lost, but all of that valuable material will be put together under this newly structured body and made available to regional communities.

The electorate of Northern Tablelands and the New England area have wonderful events. I know that the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing is no stranger to that area of the State. Opera in the Paddock, in Delungra—a very small community in the Inverell shire—is a fantastic event. I acknowledge that Events NSW had been actively supporting that event. I am confident that Destination NSW will give more support to the area. The Celtic Festival is held in Glen Innes. I am not sure that the Minister's Celtic colours or mine will be on display there. This is an international event, and Glen Innes is very proud of that. It now generates the attendance of between 6,000 and 10,000 in that community. That is a great outcome, and one that they have been building for many years. Again, Tourism NSW has supported a range of programs.

The ambassador for our region, Paul Mercurio, said recently at a function I attended—greatly supported by Tourism NSW—that New England has the wine, with the new geographic indicator, the last and most recently allocated. We no doubt have the food, but also the natural resources and the environment. Some of our natural resources are the most stunning to be seen anywhere. Unfortunately, that is one of the best kept secrets of this State. If you have not taken a fleet helicopter through the gorges of New England, I can assure you that you have not seen all of the treasures of New South Wales. They are an absolute sight to behold, and not many people have seen them. I have taken a flight on many occasions, and very much appreciate the natural beauty. If more people knew about this attraction, more people would be drawn from much further afield.

I support the Destination NSW Bill. In closing, I remind the House of an example of what happened when we last collaborated and worked together. I mentioned it a moment ago: the wine geographic indicator. More than 22 cellar doors and more than 40 wineries have established in the New England area, an extraordinary outcome. These wineries are located from Tenterfield through to the Northern Tablelands, to Armidale and across to Inverell and Glen Innes, the Gwydir and Uralla. When they came together as a geographic region the momentum generated far and away exceeded anything that anyone anticipated. Until that time, they had regarded themselves strictly as competitors. They still market their own products, but now that is done under the one banner of the New England wine region.

The bill seeks to do that structurally with the coordination of Tourism NSW and Events NSW. I believe that will generate momentum and positive outcomes through attracting visitors to New South Wales. I believe it will also assist regions if that communication flow is in place and recommendations are available to each other. In my view, it will demonstrate that working together means that, while we market our individual products, we establish a brand and a momentum from which New South Wales and all of its centres will be beneficiaries. I commend the bill to the House.

Mr MARK SPEAKMAN (Cronulla) [1.06 p.m.]: I support the Destination NSW Bill 2011. In particular, I invite the attention of the House to the potential exciting implications that the bill and Destination NSW have for the electorate of Cronulla in general, and the Kurnell Peninsula in particular. In his agreement in principle speech the Minister spoke of the unique and spectacular assets that Sydney and regional New South Wales have, including the harbour, incredibly varied scenery, the best beaches and coastline, destinations that uniquely represent the Australian way of life, and the culture and history of Aboriginal people. We have all those things in the Cronulla electorate. Mr Acting-Speaker Provest, as a member of the Cronulla diaspora, would be well aware of that.

What is exciting about the implications of Destination NSW for the electorate of Cronulla is, first, what I will call the ripple effect that greater generation of tourism for Sydney will have; and, secondly, the potential for integration of events management and tourist management in the electorate of Cronulla. Cronulla has the longest stretch of sand in Sydney. It is the only beach in Sydney that is accessible by train. And while others speak of their wine growing capacity, we in Cronulla have many cafes and restaurants, some of them world class, which have great foods and wines.

It is that potential that will be the beneficiary of what I call the ripple effect from tourism that major events in the hub of Sydney or elsewhere in Sydney will generate and flow to Cronulla—which is at the end of a train line, the only beach in Sydney on a train line. There are great tourist attractions not only within the Cronulla electorate but also in its surrounds. The world's second-oldest national park across the Port Hacking, the pristine waters of Port Hacking itself, the bohemian villages of Bundeena and Maianbar across the river, New South Wales' largest regional gallery at Hazelhurst in Gymea, and of course the Botany Bay National Park at Kurnell make Cronulla a great destination in its own right for tourists.

That brings me to the second way in which Destination NSW has exciting potential implications for Cronulla, that is, the ability to have a whole-of-government approach that integrates Cronulla as a tourist destination but also as a place of exciting events, a place where Opera in the Park, down at Cronulla beach, the Cronulla Spring Fair, various art festivals and so on, as well as sporting events, can attract tourists to the Cronulla electorate and to the shire in particular. What is important is that we will now have a coordinated, consolidated whole-of-government approach that brings these different tourist event strands together.

I refer now to the Kurnell Peninsula in particular. The year 2020 will be the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook's landing at Kurnell, which will be a great milestone in Australia's modern history. It is a great opportunity to bring Kurnell up to speed and, as I said in my inaugural speech, give it the funding and recognition it deserves as the birthplace of modern Australia and the place where we can celebrate the achievements of Australia since European arrival and settlement, and also honour and respect our Indigenous heritage. We will need a whole-of-government approach within the New South Wales Government and also across the different tiers of government—Federal, State and local—to make sure we capitalise on the potential that the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook's landing brings to Kurnell.

My Federal colleague Scott Morrison, the member for Cook, has spoken in the Federal Parliament about the 2020 task force that he has initiated, which seeks to bring together local Indigenous, business, community, and Federal, State and local government representatives to best exploit the opportunity that 2020 provides for Kurnell. He has spoken of his vision for 2020 in Kurnell, which I share, and which could include things such as an additional monument with upgraded walkways and signage; rebuilding of the wharf at Kurnell to provide ferry and launch access from Brighton-Le-Sands and to Port Hacking; a world-class high-tech museum of Pacific discovery, with a permanent Cook exhibition and an Indigenous interpretative centre; an on-site venue with major catering facilities to support functions and events, as well as cafes and restaurants; an upgrade of Silver Beach promenade; and a proper heritage drive on Captain Cook Drive with a separated cycleway from Elouera Road to Kurnell.

The 250th anniversary in 2020 provides a great opportunity for some or all of these things to be put in place, which the task force will investigate. The whole-of-government approach that Destination NSW represents provides a great opportunity to integrate, on the one hand, what I hope will be an exciting event in 2020 for the 250th anniversary and, on the other hand, all the underlying tourist attractions of the Cronulla electorate in general and the Kurnell Peninsula in particular. While there are many reasons to commend the Destination NSW Bill 2011 for its exciting implications across New South Wales, I commend it in particular for the potential it has in Cronulla.

Mr NICK LALICH (Cabramatta) [1.12 p.m.]: I understand time is of the essence so I will try to make my speech on the Destination NSW Bill 2011 as brief as possible. I hope that with this change Destination NSW will continue to support not only major festivals but also our local festivals. In my electorate of Cabramatta we have many festivals; with our multicultural community we would arguably be the festival capital of New South Wales. In September we have the Moon Festival, which is attended by some 60,000 people from all over Sydney. The economic benefit to our local businesses is massive. We also have the Lunar New Year Festival, Vesak Day, or Buddha's birthday, and the Sydney International Food Festival, which is an important festival as it highlights the large variety of foods that are on offer in Cabramatta.

I must mention that this festival is hosted by celebrity chef Mr Luke Nguyen, and it attracts large crowds to our city and Cabramatta. Other important festivals are the Serbian Folkloric Festival, our Latin American festivals, Colo Colo and Cabraloa, and the many Italian festivals that are held throughout our city. I would say we have at least one Italian festival a month. There are six or seven communities from villages in Italy that hold religious festivals and there is one a month. I can tell members that as the State member for Cabramatta and the mayor I go to many fundraising functions and festivals. Visitors to New South Wales inject some $28 billion a year into the State economy supporting 162,500 jobs, which is nearly 5 per cent of all jobs in New South Wales.

Mr Acting-Speaker Provest made a private member's statement recently regarding the large rock festival Cooly Rocks On, which is held in Coolangatta, and the economic benefit that brought to your city as well as the large number of people it attracts to the region. I have been to that festival but I have to say I have not seen you there. You tell me you know how to rock and roll but I have not seen you dancing on the stages or even in the street. I can tell you the car shows are wonderful and I agree with you it is a great festival. I understand why you did not mention the festival that is held on the same weekend at Port Macquarie, because you are 100 per cent for the Tweed. The rock festival at Coolangatta brought about 60,000 people and much-needed funds to the Tweed that weekend.

Some of the Government speakers said the Labor Government did very little for tourism in its 16 years in office, but New South Wales attracts more tourists than any other Australian State or Territory, with around 36.3 per cent of all international and domestic overnight visitors coming to New South Wales in the year ending September 2010. Of our domestic visitors for that period, New South Wales attracted 23.4 million overnight visitors, who spent more than $12.5 billion during their stay. New South Wales retained its lead on the international front with the number of international visitors to New South Wales increasing by 6.6 per cent in the September 2010 quarter, which is above the national average increase in visitors of 5.6 per cent. Visitor nights were also up by 8.8 per cent in the quarter. I wish Destination NSW every success. The name has been changed, but I hope Destination NSW will carry on the programs the Labor Government initiated and other new initiatives that I know will come to the fore. I support the bill.

Mr JOHN BARILARO (Monaro) [1.16 p.m.]: I support the Destination NSW Bill 2011. I understand there is a time limit on speeches today so I will cut to the chase. Destination NSW will be a statutory authority established under this bill, which was introduced by the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing. For me the interest lies in regional and rural tourism and its organisations and operators, especially in the Monaro electorate. I am lucky enough to represent an electorate in which there is a strong sense of the value of tourism. My electorate is home to the beautiful Snowy Mountains and with the recent opening of the snow season my electorate has enjoyed seeing some of the biggest visitor numbers it has seen in the past five years.

The importance of tourism in the Snowy Mountains is that it has a domino effect right down the highway on businesses, communities and a range of different industries, and communities such as Jindabyne, Adaminaby and Cooma are the beneficiaries of such a strong tourism industry. As I mentioned in my inaugural speech, my electorate is blessed with a unique tourism product which I intend to champion as Australia's winter playground—the majestic Snowy Mountains. Right at the foot of the mountains is the picturesque Jindabyne, framed by beautiful Lake Jindabyne. Thinking of all things Australian, Adaminaby is the home of the Big Trout. Who could miss the Big Trout? If members follow the Big Trout story they will know that this year it appears on the back of Redheads Matches packets as part of Australia's Big Things theme, paying homage to some of the country's most iconic attractions.

In saying this I may get an argument from other members about their electorates but there is nowhere in Australia like the Snowy Mountains. In winter there is certainly no better place to be in this country. The Australian alps are among some of the oldest snow-covered alpine landscapes in the world and the twisted snow gums are a feature during winter and are truly spectacular. Tourism is a big part of the New South Wales economy and we have heard about the numbers and the expenditure of $629 million on tourism in the Snowy Mountains alone. Competition for visitor dollars is increasing and the promotion and development of the Snowy Mountains region is very important to me as the member for Monaro.

The region has great tourist potential but, sadly, like most regional and rural New South Wales communities it does not get the attention it deserves. Only 18 per cent of the international tourism dollar escapes Sydney. We must recognise the full value of tourism because, together with agriculture, manufacturing and service industries, it is an important part of the fabric of society today. Not only does much of the international dollar not escape Sydney but only a small proportion of the $500 million spent annually on the New South Wales ski season actually gets out of Sydney.

We already have great organisations promoting the Snowy, such as Tourism Snowy Mountains, the Chamber of Commerce, the shires and councils and, using a similar theme to Destination New South Wales, we have Destination Jindabyne, which is a good group promoting tourism in the region. Of course, we cannot go past the resort owners in the mountains—at Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass, just to name a few—with a common goal and commitment to develop the Snowy Mountains into a leading tourist destination in Australia.

I was concerned that under 16 years of Labor we gave every other State a head start, but under a new Liberal-Nationals Government, with Destination NSW, that will stop and we will get our fair share. Over the weekend we saw an advertising campaign—the "Play Melbourne" visitor campaign—launched by the Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events to attract more Sydney tourists to Melbourne. This is evidence that States are serious about stealing the tourism dollar away from New South Wales, but thank God for Minister George Souris having the foresight and vision to have ready, in the first 100 days, the Destination NSW Bill. I quote his comments in regard to the Victorian campaign:

Victoria is clearly rattled to be launching an attack on New South Wales during the bleakest months of a traditional Victorian winter.

In response, the Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events said—and this was quite disturbing:

It made sense to launch the campaign in Sydney because it is Melbourne's biggest market for interstate travellers. We love Sydneysiders to visit Melbourne. We want more of them to come here.

In the spirit of State of Origin, they sound like fighting words. I urge all New South Welshmen to holiday in the beautiful regions of this great State of New South Wales, like the Snowy Mountains, and give the Vics the flick.

Mr GEORGE SOURIS (Upper Hunter—Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, and Minister for the Arts) [1.21 p.m.], in reply: I thank all members who contributed to debate on the Destination NSW Bill 2011 and expressed commitment to tourism, highlighting tourism in their own electorates and the hopes and aspirations they have for their electorates. I was hoping that the contribution of members would do precisely that. We had the opportunity to hear of tourism events and plans for the future. I am delighted that this bill has received the support of both sides of the House. It is an expression by all members of good will towards tourism and major events.

The two divisions—Tourism NSW and Events NSW—will be heartened, as will the whole industry, whether it be tourism operators, accommodation providers, attractions operators, regional tourism or the arts, sport and convention industry, to hear the speeches that have been made in the House today in relation to Destination NSW. In many respects, the debate focused on regional tourism, about which I am delighted. We have renewed focus and leadership from the Government and the Parliament, new direction and a whole-of-government approach. I believe those themes dominated the contributions that members made.

I thank the member for Liverpool for his contribution. If time permits I will return to some of the points he raised as the shadow Minister representing the shadow Minister in another place. The member for Orange spoke in relation to his electorate in the heart of the Central Tablelands. It is a major regional city in the centre of the State. The member for Keira gave us an Illawarra focus. The member for Myall Lakes gave us a coastal tourism and events focus. The member for Wallsend approved of the name, Destination NSW, and presented a Hunter perspective, as did a number of other members, and as I would have if I had the opportunity to speak as a member representing my electorate.

The member for Blue Mountains focused particularly on regional tourism and referred to the fact that our regional tourism policy was launched in her electorate. The member for Lake Macquarie supports Destination NSW and made reference to the strength of the Australian dollar and the requirement for renewed effort regarding tourism because New South Wales—and indeed Australia—has become more expensive relative to exchange rates. He referred to the International Children's Games to be hosted in Lake Macquarie in 2014. The member for Camden referred to the employment-generating potential of tourism. I focus particularly on that as one of the State's most significant economic drivers. Almost the best and fastest way to stimulate an economy and to generate jobs is through tourism. Tourism and major events languished under Labor and this is the potential and impetus to regain the initiative. The member for Camden mentioned especially the iconic attraction of the botanic gardens at Mount Annan and I was delighted to hear him do so.

The member for Cessnock, who is a neighbour of the Upper Hunter electorate, gave a regional and Hunter focus and referred to signage on major roads, which comes up frequently when I talk to local members about tourism. The member for Dubbo, who is the custodian of my favourite tourism destination, the Western Plains Zoo, mentioned the rhinos, but I would like to mention the twin king cheetahs that were born at the Western Plains Zoo—two of only half a dozen in the whole world, which alone is sufficient to attract someone to the zoo. The member for Dubbo made the point that tourism spread is not just in major regional cities and the metropolis of Sydney, every small town or village has a contribution to make to the heart and soul of our heritage. I especially enjoyed hearing that.

The member for Balmain made reference to the need for more transparent benefit-cost analysis and, whilst I agree that it is always better to be more open and transparent in government, he would understand the need for some level of commercial confidentiality, particularly as this is a competitive area and the last thing we want to do is to telegraph our benefit-cost analysis and the potential bid money that might be involved in attracting major events to our interstate and international competitors. The member for Parramatta made the point that Destination NSW gives us a single focus and indeed a Western Sydney focus, a decentralisation focus. The fact that Parramatta is the geographic heart of the metropolis is only one point, but it is emblematic of the decentralisation that we are searching for in tourism. The member for Mount Druitt was also supportive of tourism's aims and ideals.

The member for Mount Druitt referred to impacts in other areas, whether they be in agriculture or elsewhere, reflecting on tourism. He mentioned mad cow's disease in the United Kingdom and Newcastle disease in New South Wales as being of relevance. The member for Oatley related the value of tourism to the economy and made reference to the Olympics as the forerunner of major events and tourism in New South Wales. He urged the Government to follow through the legacy that the Olympics provided us, a legacy that was not followed through by the previous Government, and in Sydney we are looking to realise our full potential. The member for Northern Tablelands made reference to country and regional contributions and the potential for flow-through to regions. The member for Cronulla referred to the great heritage in his area—the Kurnell peninsula in particular—the focus on the history of Australia, and the events that will lead to 2020.

The member for Cabramatta also focused on tourism, particularly multicultural festivals that abound in our State, and particularly those focused on his electorate. The member for Monaro is the custodian of one of New South Wales iconic tourist destinations, the Snowy Mountains—a world-class tourist destination. I particularly observed that he used the term "Destination Snowy". It may well be that he has hit on something that could flow through to our tourism effort, the use of the term "Destination". I conclude by saying that during the debate I received a text message from the former Minister for Tourism, Ms Jodi McKay, who offered a message of support and goodwill for this legislation. I thank the House and all members who contributed to the debate, and I commend the bill to the House.

Question—That this bill be now agreed to in principle—put and resolved in the affirmative.

Motion agreed to.

Bill agreed to in principle.

Bill declared passed and transmitted to the Legislative Council with a message seeking its concurrence in the bill.

[Acting-Speaker (Mr Mr Geoff Provest) left the chair at 1.30 p.m. The House resumed at 2.15 p.m.]