Senator RIDGEWAY (1:20 PM) —I rise to make a few brief comments in relation to my amendment so that my reasons for proposing it are more clearly understood. The Australian Democrats agree with the rationale behind the government's amendment to change the objectives of the Australian Tourist Commission so that they are more meaningful and achievable, especially in relation to environmental protection. However, the Democrats have concerns that the government's amendment could result in a situation where the Australian Tourist Commission would actually be required to do very little in relation to environmental protection and the minimisation of the social impacts of international tourists in Australia.

I think most Australians are fairly cynical about what the words `to have regard to' actually require government agencies to do. In the context of environmental protection, they have tended to mean that very little action has been taken. The amendment that the Australian Democrats seek to move today provides a clear directive to the Australian Tourist Commission to be proactive on environmental matters while at the same time not placing a restrictive or prescriptive burden on the agency. It will follow that the ATC will continue to promote Australia internationally as a preferred tourist destination while at the same time ensure that the ATC works with the relevant agencies to protect our unique and fragile environment.

I want to move on very quickly to talk about another important aspect of the amendment and that is the inclusion of the need to minimise the cultural impacts of international tourists in Australia as well as the social aspects. Recent government initiatives, such as the commencement of work on a code of conduct for international tourists who intend to visit indigenous communities, suggest that the government is becoming more aware of the need to tread more carefully when it comes to cultural matters. The Democrats believe that many international travellers also want to be more aware and mindful of the sensitivities and protocols they should observe while visiting this country. They would therefore appreciate guidance from the ATC on these matters—not just on indigenous protocols but also those of other cultures that now enrich the nation. I believe this to be particularly the case next year when Australia hosts the Olympic Games and, undoubtedly, experiences a sharp increase in international visitors. The Democrats believe that these objectives are clearly expressed in the amendment we seek to move, and I commend this amendment to the Senate. I move:

(1) Schedule 1, item 1, page 3 (lines 5 to 11), omit the item, substitute:

1 Paragraph 6(c)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

(c) in meeting those objects, to work with other relevant agencies to promote the principles of ecologically sustainable development set out in subsection 21(3) of the Natural Heritage Trust of Australia Act 1997 and to seek to raise awareness of the social and cultural impacts of international tourism in Australia.

Amendment agreed to.

Bill, as amended, agreed to.

Bill reported with amendment; report adopted.