28 August, 2018

Here’s what the leadership spill means for the travel industry

By Alexandra Coulton

In case you haven’t noticed, last week Australia got a new prime minister.

Our sixth in eight years to be exact.

The new PM, Scott Morrison, entered politics with a background in tourism, serving as both the director of the New Zealand Office of Tourism and Sport and managing director of Tourism Australia back in 2006.

And, as may also have noticed with new leadership comes the inevitable cabinet reshuffle.

Steve Ciobo has been moved from trade and tourism to defence industry.

“As Minister I secured record funding for Tourism Australia, which helped deliver record numbers of international tourists visiting Australia and spending record amounts,” Ciobo said in a statement.

“Earlier this year I convened a steering committee of tourism industry leaders to develop the next long-term tourism strategy. I have no doubt Simon Birmingham will continue to drive this initiative to ensure our vibrant tourism industry continues to grow.”

The new minister for trade and tourism, Simon Birmingham, was also appointed deputy leader for the Senate.

senator-the-hon-simon-birmingham-at-gta-nsw-amp-act-conference-skillsone

Having previously worked across Australia’s wine, tourism and hospitality industries, Birmingham said in a statement that he looks forward to again supporting the hardworking Australians whose efforts in trade and tourism underpin so much of our national prosperity.

“Australia’s openness to the world is an essential ingredient in the jobs of millions of Australians, which have been made stronger through the achievements of our Liberal National Government,” he said.

Australian Chamber-Tourism said it welcomes Birmingham’s appointment.

“Minister Birmingham’s background in the tourism, hospitality and education sectors positions him well to work with business to highlight the enormous potential of Tourism,” the organisation said.

Meanwhile, foreign currency experts Travel Money Oz have opened the history books to reveal how the leadership change may impact the Australian dollar.

General Manager for Travel Money Group, Kelly Spencer said past history suggests the Aussie dollar may be due for a fall.

During the last leadership spill between Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull, the Aussie dollar had been experiencing growth up until the day Turnbull was sworn in when it experienced a significant drop.

“We are now set to see history repeat itself with Scott Morrison scoring a shock victory in a messy spill against sitting PM Malcolm Turnbull which also featured Peter Dutton and Julie Bishop in the running,” Spencer said.

“Past history suggests that the dollar may continue to fall as it has since the 22nd of August.”

The travel money company said these examples highlighted the many factors contributing to foreign exchange rate fluctuations.

“For those going overseas any time soon, we recommend keeping an eye on the market and buying your foreign exchange when you’re ready,’’ Spencer said.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

auspol leadership spill politics scott morrison simon Birmingham steve ciabo