STATEMENT

Queenslanders have always been willing to roll up their sleeves, grab a shovel and wheelbarrow, and help with the cleaning after cyclones, floods and bushfires.

The latest challenge this summer also requires us to step in to help where we can – although it might not necessarily mean hard labour, quite the opposite actually.

The coronavirus – now renamed covid-19 – is not only a health challenge but has also turned into a financial challenge for this state, and particularly for tourism operators in the north.

The travel bans from China, which are a sensible move to help stop the spread of the disease, have also stopped the significant finances that usually come into the regions in the pockets of tourists from Asia.

Places like Cairns are recording big drops in visitor numbers, but it’s been noticeable throughout the whole state. With that in mind, I’m asking Queenslanders who are thinking of taking a holiday to consider holidaying in your own backyard – particularly regional and North Queensland.

The north has its obvious beautiful beaches, wonderful resorts and homestays, plenty of activities, and right now prices on Queensland seafood are very reasonable. Speak to your travel agent and secure a great deal and let’s keep Queensland’s tourism industry alive.

For those on a tighter budget, why not visit family or friends, and enjoy a traditional “family stay over” in the spare bedroom or “airbed on the floor” holiday – they often create the best memories anyway!

Our northern businesses and residents have proved their resilience through cyclones and floods over the years, but the rest of us have also stepped in to lend support, and that need has emerged again.

As we progress through another summer with another unique challenge, I ask readers to seriously consider spending your holidays throughout Queensland, to help turn tourism around.

Let’s prove once again that Queensland can depend on Queenslanders.

Pauline Hanson
One Nation leader
Senator for Queensland

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