Intrepid MD Brett Mitchell has called out the federal government for slashing funding for First Nations tourism in last week’s budget.
While the Labor government’s first budget since its election in May had plenty of good news for travel and tourism, a few funding cuts appear to have been hidden in the fine print.
Tourism Australia’s budget will be cut by $36m representing a 25.1 per cent cut, which the treasury noted was “due to the temporary nature” of additional funds the organisation was given to boost international travel when borders opened.
On top of this, an $8.5m Indigenous tourism fund will be cut back to $4.3m in the coming years.
“We’re thrilled to see the Federal Government pledge to support the tourism sector through investment in upskilling, accommodation and providing a boost for airports, to make Australian destinations even more accessible – both for domestic and international tourists,” Mitchell said.
“It’s encouraging to see a commitment to lowering carbon emissions in the aviation industry, helping make travel more sustainable.
“However, it is disappointing to see funding for First Nations tourism being slashed by the Federal Government.”
Intrepid has seen a 233 per cent growth in the number of First Nations experiences on its trips over the past year – with 49 per cent of those being Australian itineraries, which Mitchell said indicates “not only demand but a need to foster and grow the sector.”
Despite this major oversite, the travel and tourism industry’s response to the budget has been overall positive.
Industry figureheads have applauded the $48m in funding to support marketing, training, and upskilling for the accommodation sector, as well as the upgrade of caravan parks around the country.
The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) CEO Dean Long also highlighted the increase in childcare subsidies, which is a big win for the female workforce, unlocking the equivalent of an extra 37,000 workers.
Other standouts include $100m for Australia’s participation in World Expo 2025 in Osaka, which will showcase clean energy and low-emissions technologies, new Jet Zero style council to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation industry $150m to be shared among Hobart, Launceston and Newcastle airports for upgrades, and $17.9m for Western Sydney Airport ahead of a 2026 opening.
