New major events minister and additions to the tourism portfolio in Victoria
With Ben Carroll becoming Victoria’s new Premier last week, there have been a couple of ministerial changes relevant to the business events industry.
Although he remains Victoria’s sports minister, Steve Dimopoulos is no longer the state’s major events minister, with Anthony Carbines taking over major events, as well as economic development, another of the portfolios previously held by Dimopoulos, known as economic growth under his watch.
Meanwhile Victoria’s recently appointed tourism minister, Natalie Suleyman, has had trade and investment added to the tourism portfolio. This bodes well for business events, which play across all three elements of the redefined ministry. Victoria hasn’t had a trade and investment minister since late 2024.
Business events target set for Northern Tasmania
As the Tasmanian Government looks to grow the economy in the north of the state, including Launceston, it has announced that Business Events Tasmania has been tasked with delivering $6 million worth of conferences into the region, off the back of a $200,000 investment.
“Following our Northern Tasmania Economic Summit in July, we have listened to feedback and developed the first tranche of economy-boosting initiatives,” said Tasmania’s Premier, Jeremy Rockliff.
“Business events bring significant economic benefits to local accommodation providers, hospitality venues, retailers and tourism operators, including more patronage to our towns.
“For every $1 spent attracting business events, $30 is returned to the local economy.”
Launceston has been in focus for business events over the last couple of years, as efforts ramp up to grow the city’s share of the business events market.
A new convention centre has been announced for Launceston, while the state’s latest tourism action plan aims to grow the city’s hotel room stock to support more business events activity.
Updated accessibility guide for the Gold Coast
Experience Gold Coast has released an updated accessibility guide for the destination, which features accessibility information for more than 40 accommodation providers and nearly 30 attractions on the Gold Coast.
As part of the updated guide, 12 new visitor economy offerings have been added.
“It’s been encouraging to see how strongly the Gold Coast tourism industry has embraced accessibility since the first guide was released, and this updated guide reflects the city’s continued leadership in creating visitor experiences that work for everyone,” said Inclusive Tourism Australia’s Melissa James.
The Gold Coast now has more than 300 accessible hotel rooms.
