Australia is in a strong leadership position thanks to the formation of the Tourism and Climate Change Taskforce, but in particular to the existence of research bodies such as the CRC for Sustainable Tourism, the Rainforest and Reef Research Centre and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

The Department of Tourism, Industry and Resources has a range of information on Australia's climate change position and initiatives.

GST on Deposits
In early 2006 the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) ruled that businesses which accept more than 10% in deposit for goods and services are liable to immediately remit the full GST on the final sale price. Subsequently, the ATO admitted that it erred in not consulting the services sector before making the ruling.

After a protracted period of negotiation, the ATO have agreed to consider a proposal by the industry based on a previous ruling on lay-by sales and have asked for a draft Determination. NTA (and ATEC, AFTA, AHA) will fund this preparatory work and meetings leading up to the determination.

Should this challenge succeed, it will have far-reaching benefits for the whole of the industry.

New CEO Appointed for Sustainable Tourism CRC
Ian Kean, who has served as Sustainable Tourism CRC's interim CEO for the past three months, has been appointed to drive the Centre's ambitious research program, and undertake a re-bid strategy to secure the future of high quality research and development for Australia's tourism industry.

As discussed at our recent members meeting it is crucial that the Centre work with its partners and stakeholders to build a unified platform where all the diverse sectors including transport, accommodation, infrastructure, hospitality, retail and others can all find significant benefits that improve their bottom line, while supporting the communities and environments that are part of Australia's vibrant tourism experience.

AFTA Appoints Deputy CEO
The Australian Federation of Travel Agents has appointed Jayson Westbury as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Federation. AFTA Chairman, Carl Buerckner, said that he believed Jayson's appointment would further strengthen the AFTA management structure and provide for ongoing management stability and succession planning.

With experience in the tourism, inbound and hotel sectors of the industry and with a proven management track record he is also the current chairman of TICNSW). Jayson took up his new position 17 October.

Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
Bill Wright, has been appointed Chair of the QATA national judging panel. Bill was selected by the NTA Board from a noted field of candidates. He has had previous experience in chairing the national judging panel, and is well known in the tourism industry through his chairmanship and board involvement of both public and private tourism related companies, as well as national and state industry associations.

The judging will take place in Canberra from 21st -24th November, with the gala presentation and dinner being held in Canberra on Friday 29th February, 2008.

Members Meeting and AGM
The next members meeting and AGM will be held in Sydney on Wednesday 12th December from 1-5pm.