New Assistant Minister and AA CEO discuss training and skills concerns at Visitor Economy Roundtable
James Goodwin took the opportunity to brief the new Assistant Minister on a range of issues impacting members.
The new Assistant Minister for Tourism, Senator the Hon Nita Green, attended the Austrade Visitor Economy Roundtable on June 20, 2025 alongside other tourism leaders, including Accommodation Australia (AA) CEO James Goodwin.
Mr Goodwin took the opportunity on the sidelines of the meeting to brief the new Assistant Minister on a range of issues impacting members.
“I was impressed by the Senator’s grasp of key issues so soon after coming into the portfolio,” Mr Goodwin said. “She lives in Cairns – a city and region extremely dependent on the visitor economy.”
“We touched on a range of issues including improving training and skills, the chronic skills shortages affecting our sector, attracting more overseas visitors and growing First Nations tourism.
“Another important issue addressed was the need to put on the national agenda the impact of short-term rental on housing supply nationwide.”
“The new Assistant Minister was also briefed on AA’s concerns with the Department of Environment and Climate Change’s proposal to extend the NABERS rating to accommodation properties with more than 100 rooms.
“It was good to get some time with her so soon after the Federal election and I look forward to working with Senator Green in coming months,” Mr Goodwin said.
