Tourism vs National Security
"Queensland is the sunshine state. In the light of recent terrorist attacks around the world, should our attention be concentrated on encouraging tourism or should these resources be channeled towards national security? Draw up and justify recommendations for government policy."Hike through tranquil rainforests in a hinterland of rugged mountains, relax on pristine white beaches or go diving and venturing beneath the depths of the great blue waters. Queensland, home of the Great Barrier Reef and generally referred to as the "Sunshine State", is a chief attraction for tourists. But with hand grenades hurling through the air, bullets showering down and lethal explosions ripping screams apart, who would consider a vacation and relax? Capital inputs for tourism may be considered surplus during terrorist threats to Australia, but Australia's security establishment inevitably relies partially on tourism. Greg Sheridan, "The Australian's" foreign editor, the most influential foreign affairs analyst in Australian journalism reiterated the point that we are now "living in the age of terror" in the Australian on 3 April 2003. He said "The interaction of weapons of mass destruction, rogue states and international terrorism means that
However, due to recent terrorist attacks, Australia has placed more emphasis on national security. 8 million to provide specialised equipment and training for emergency services at the frontline of response to chemical, biological and radiological incidents; $49 million to enhance the technical investigation capabilities of the AFP, ASIO and the Australian Crime Commission; $48 million to strengthen ASIO's intelligence capability and coordination; $42 million to increase the ability of the Australian Customs Service to screen air passengers and guard against other border security threats, and $16 million to protect the security of Australia's national information infrastructure (Australian Government, 2003). Peter Shelley, ATEC managing director, said the tourism industry "could no longer be viewed as a tax cash cow by government, especially as the economic loss suffered by the industry over the past 15 months is estimated at $2 billion and we have lost 2 years of growth" (ATEC, 2003). Robert Cornall, Secretary of the Attorney-General's Department stated, "While no counter-terrorism arrangements come with an ironclad guarantee, it is my hope that these enhancements and future strategies will ensure Australia remains as safe a country in the future as it has been in the past, even though we are living in dangerous times" (2003). He said the inbound industry "strongly believed the government has a responsibility to find the funds from consolidated revenue or the defence and national security budget for measures of such national importance" (ATEC, 2003). Tourism and national security are correlated, both are equally important. Meanwhile, tourism should not be ignored when the slightest calamity occurs. Tourist activities support cultural preservation, that of food, fashion, festivals and physical history whilst foreign exchange generates resources to import food, pharmaceuticals, technology and consumer goods (Mozer, 1993). The secure environment of Australia is dynamic but uncertain, abundant with a host of threats and confrontations that have the potential to grow. In contrast, tourism can be influenced by a range of conditions that occur due to lack of reliable defence, though not necessarily directly related to Australia. Good regional relationships result in a combination of well armed forces and secure alliance with other countries. 9 million visitor arrivals to Australia, representing a decrease of 6% relative to the same period of the previous year. Without the help of tourism, there may be fewer funds for Australia's security. By presenting tourists to an encouraging environment, the incentive to preserve nature, wildlife and urban cleanliness persists. Despite the compensation of $15 million, the budget for tourism in Queensland will be slightly cut to $43.
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