Senator HUMPHRIES (2:56 PM) —My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Senator Abetz. Will the minister inform the Senate of efforts being made to encourage Australians to visit regional areas affected by drought and bushfire?

Senator ABETZ (Special Minister of State) —I thank Senator Humphries for a question that is very important to our fellow Australians who live in regional areas that have been affected by drought and bushfires. The Howard government has been very concerned about the longer term effects of bushfires and drought on regional Australia and that is why we have acted to try to minimise the damage caused. Earlier this month, the government announced a cash grants program of $3,000 through the Small Business Bushfire Relief Program for small businesses and farmers impacted by the recent bushfires, such as those in New South Wales, Victoria and here in the Australian Capital Territory—which is of particular concern to Senator Humphries. The program is aimed at assisting small businesses, including farmers and tourism operators, who are most impacted by the recent bushfires. The assistance will be provided through grants of $3,000 to small businesses who are in most need of assistance, who can show that they have fewer than 20 full-time equivalent employees and who either incurred additional expenses or suffered a loss of income as a result of these bushfires. In addition, grants of $10,000 may be available for extreme cases.

The grants can be used by small businesses to meet any additional expenses and/or lost income, such as retaining staff and meeting repayments for loans or leases on capital stock. Program funding of $2 million is available. Applications will be assessed and those businesses most affected will receive support. Any business that feels they may be eligible for this assistance should register their interest by ringing the AusIndustry hotline on 132846 as soon as possible as registrations close tomorrow. I urge all small businesses who have been affected to make that call as soon as possible. Small businesses are also, for the first time, able to apply for drought relief. The federal government's $500 million relief package includes support for regional small businesses significantly affected by the drought. In addition, special consideration will be given to regional tourism ventures affected by bushfires and drought for financial assistance through the federal government's $8 million Regional Tourism Program.

But that is not all the government is doing. The government has launched a new campaign called See Australia to help bush communities recover from drought and bushfires by encouraging the return of tourists and sending a message that these bush communities are once again open for business. The campaign includes a television advertisement featuring Ernie Dingo and, with the support of commercial television networks, the advertisement is running as a community service announcement. This campaign is to send a message that these tourist spots are open for business, particularly during Easter, and that many public areas were left relatively undamaged or are already recovering. If every Australian spent just $10 extra on one more night away on a See Australia short break each year, domestic tourism expenditure would increase by 20 per cent and boost the economy, particularly in regional Australia, by a staggering $10.27 billion per year. We will continue to work hard to provide practical assistance. (Time expired)

Senator Hill —Mr President, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.