Pauline Hanson demands support for North Qld business impacted by coronavirus
MEDIA RELEASE
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is urging the Prime Minister to urgently implement measures to counteract massive tourism downturns in North Queensland caused by coronavirus-related flight cancellations from China.
Cairns alone has reported the cancellation of more than 25,000 tourism experiences and accommodation bookings due to the flight ban.
The massive drop in visitors has impacted related businesses like the fishing industry, with trawlers in Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville, Bowen, Mackay and Gladstone forced to reduce their catch of fish, crab and crayfish due to fallen demand.
“International tourism is the lifeblood of parts of Queensland and if there’s a void in overseas visitors, it’s up to this Government and its state counterparts to help fill the vacancy with domestic holiday makers,” Senator Hanson said.
“The repercussions are starting to take effect and I’m concerned for those businesses who’ve been the unintended victims of the coronavirus.”
Senator Hanson has written to Mr Morrison, urging a “Stay and Buy Local” tourism campaign to encourage Australians to holiday locally.
“We’ve seen what slow reactions from government do to communities following the bush fires, years of drought and floods,” Senator Hanson said.
“This is a critical moment for Scott Morrison and his government to ensure he responds immediately to providing help to promote these tourist towns who’ve been hit by the coronavirus travel ban.
“Tourism is tough enough throughout the summer months in North Queensland, let alone immediately after the school holidays.
“The fishing industry of Queensland is just one of those industries who will suffer unless we have a stay and buy local campaign, targeted at domestic tourists.”
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