We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples and the Traditional Custodians of Ngunnawal Country, the land on which we meet today. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and also recognise any other people or families with connection to the ACT and Region.
Dr David Marshall, Chair of the Leaders Forum opened the Advisory Forum and acknowledged the presence of Enterprise Rent-a-car’s Strategic Sales Director – Asia–Pacific Region Jim Crowder, along with their Australian National Sales Team, who were all welcomed to Canberra and the Forum.
H.E. Dr Siswo Pramono, Indonesian Ambassador to Australia.
His Excellency spoke about Indonesian tourist visitations increasing into Australia, the newly announced Batik Air flights into the ACT and students studying in Canberra.
His Excellency gave an overview of Indonesia, with the economy going strong and this is driving travel, mostly to Asian countries like Singapore however there is an uptick in travel to Australia.
“The challenge is many do not know Canberra is the capital of Australia.”
The Indonesian tourists coming to Australia are primarily a younger cohort.
There are approx. 8,100 Indonesians on working holiday visas, working in Agriculture and Hospitality primarily.
There is an increasing trend of Indonesian visitors to Australia. The purpose of their trip is predominantly for leisure (~50%) and spiritual or family visits (~15.5%), however approx. 25% are business trips.
The business trips bring in more money, particularly in accommodation.
Educational spending by business visitors is also of importance, particularly for Canberra.
Australia remains the preferred location for Indonesian students due to its safety. This is a different trend compared to 10-15 years ago when that was the US.
There are approx. ~20k Indonesian students in Australia, across both government and private students.
ANU is particularly attractive due to its global ranking.
His Excellency spoke about Victoria’s efforts to proactively market to international students.
Canberra can do more here to attract Indonesian students:
- In June the direct flight to Denpasar – Canberra will open up opportunities for travel.
- Training in the ACT is set to grow.
- Australian Government is sending public servants to ACT for policy-based training which involves visits to DFAT and other departments. The ACT Government can capitalise on this.
His Excellency spoke about how inflation is hitting entertainment and leisure budgets. For business travellers, the cost of living is not as impactful.
Question – Do you think the Batik Air flights will increase the number of people coming to Canberra?
It will absolutely increase business travel. Last year, I served 500 Indonesian officials throughout the year, coming to the Indonesian Embassy. This flight will help them access Canberra more directly.
Hon Alicia Payne MP, Member for Canberra.
Ms. Payne spoke on the outcomes of the Inquiry into fostering and promoting the significance of Australia’s National Capital.
The report has been agreed but has not been tabled. Ms Payne obtained special agreement to talk about the outcomes to the Forum, noting the full media attention will come in the following days.
Why the inquiry was undertaken
“I hear from so many of you about your visions for the city…to become a place we can all take pride in”.
We had a chance to put this on the parliamentary record and make recommendations.
The agreement from the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP indicates their commitment to Canberra.
Thanks to those in the room who have made submissions.
“This Inquiry gives me a trigger to have conversations with colleagues about what our Government can be doing for our city.”
Ms Payne spoke about Canberra as a meeting place for our First Nations people – it is a meeting place and always has been.
The report is about what the Federal Government can do specifically.
“When the Government invests in this city, it’s about nation building”.
The recommendations
National Convention Centre
- The central recommendation in the report relates to the Convention Centre. The centre falls short of what is expected in this day and age, and is turning away business because it doesn’t have the space or facilities.
- The report highlights the disparity between our population and the size of our Convention Centre, compared to cities like Cairns and Brisbane
- Events like the COP and G20 should be able to be held in our nation’s capital.
“I know this recommendation has been made before, but I feel there is particular momentum at the moment…about our place on the international stage and how we want to be seen”
Canberra Stadium
- We have recommended the Federal and State Governments work together to improve stadium infrastructure.
- The recommendation was kept broad as to the location, as there was mixed evidence about that.
- The report notes the international sporting events we could bring to Canberra with an improved stadium.
Australian Institute of Sport
- Recommends the AIS remain in Canberra, and has recommended the AIS is returned to a world-class standard.
- Further recommendations – which Ms Payne has not seen - are being considered as part of the Budget.
National institutions
- Key focus on the inquiry – thank you to the institutions who made submissions and gave evidence.
- There was a wealth of ideas, including how to take the collections out of Canberra, to engage those who cannot visit the National Capital. We have recommendations around this.
- Also a recommendation about establishing a ‘Canberra Pass’, making the most of our institutions for visitors (or locals).
- The hop-on-hop-off bus also features in the recommendations.
School visits
- We recommend a review of the PACER program, to broaden the institutions visited and the offering into STEM areas.
Conclusion
- There are 21 recommendations.
- We had 48 submissions – this was about putting the voice of our city onto the Parliamentary record, so thank you.
Dr Marshall thanked Ms. Payne for her efforts in the Inquiry and welcomed the recommendations.
Question: What’s the timing on these recommendations? For example, the NCC?
There’s momentum currently. However the individuals in Parliament rarely come out and experience what we have to offer. Canberra is a rarity in that it is somewhat politically beneficial to criticise it.
However, what we saw the Canberra Region Showcase, with local businesses and national institutions, people got to see a taste of our city. It’s a reflection of a Minister that loves Canberra, a Government who wants to put our city on the global stage.
Question: Is there a plan for future funding for the national institutions?
Just before we began our inquiry, the Government restored funding to our National Institutions – but this doesn’t solve the problem entirely. It was a focus of our discussion though.
Question: Does that include funding for the Institutions Capital Works programs? Many are struggling to expand.
Due to the timing of the funding being announced, this was less of a focus than intended. Tony Burke’s cultural policy shows he is genuinely committed and it’s something our Government values and this wasn’t the case previously.
Question: Are National Institutions going to be guaranteed a funding increase each year?
Part of our previous announcement was that it was permanent funding, but I acknowledge it doesn’t fix the problem.
Michael Thomson, Head of Aviation at Canberra Airport.
Mr Thomson provided an update on aviation and Canberra Airport’s plan for the next 5 years, with a report released officially on the 3rd May.
Mr Thomson thanked VisitCBR for their enduring support and praised the Forum for its work and unique offering.
Passenger levels are back to 95% of pre-covid levels, with March 2024 at 97%.
Airlines are also increasing the size of their planes, with a few 737s put on our routes, providing higher capacity and better customer experience.
In August 2023, Qantas was cancelling 15% of flights, this has now fallen to 2.5%.
"Our goal is to crack 3.5 million passengers by 2030. We can achieve this by
- Increased frequency
- New routes
And we’re working on both."
Mr. Thomson shared the airport's staged plans:
- "In 2019, we were here. It was fairly limited, and we knew people wanted to fly direct."
- "In 2024, we have 11 domestic destinations and 2 international carriers and 8 airlines – increased direct access to the Canberra Region."
- "In 24/25 we would like the return of domestic destinations like Coffs Harbour. Link Airways however has suffered with aircraft shortages.
- Avalon is another route under negotiations.
- Doha and the return of Qatar Airways is another route under work."
- "By 25/26 we would like direct domestic routes to Townsville, Cairns, and Launceston, with additional international routes to Auckland and Singapore."
- "In 26/27 we would like to open up a seasonal service to Hong Kong and China, a seasonal service for students travelling to and from the ACT. It’s a model that’s worked in places like Christchurch, who now has a regular service."
- "In 27/28 we’re looking at Vietnam as a market."
“This is a bold plan, but if you’re not on the front foot how do you change perception?”
Batik Airways
- This will run a 737-800, combining business class and economy, the feedback on this aircraft is great.
- Denpasar operates to 60 destinations from Denpasar. It provides a transit opportunity, for example Canberra – Denpasar – Turkey.
- “We’re in discussions with Convention Australia and Tourism Australia to bring conventions to Canberra.”
Question: What’s your view on Bonza’s collapse?
We’ve had discussions with Bonza in the lead up to this. It’s unfortunate because the more carriers, the greater benefit to consumers, which in turn drives greater travel.
Bonza’s business model was challenging, its hard to see how flying from smaller destinations you can sustain a business, particularly on those prices charged.
We hope they come out of administration because regional Australia needs connections.
Question: Fiji Airways, how’s it going?
It’s a terrific addition, we’re seeing more and more US transit from Canberra to Fiji and onto LA/San Francisco/Vancouver. From an outbound perspective – particularly in school holidays – it’s very positive.
Question: What do you think about Qantas’ plans to expand and your relationship with them?
Our relationship is good, you’ll see in the media we play a role in keeping them honest, because we feel Canberra deserves it.
They’ve been through a tough time. We’d like to see them consider us more and more as a domestic hub. On certain routes, we’d like to see an increase from Qantas, for example CBR - ADL for Jetstar.
We continue to work together to provide services.
Dr David Marshall, Chair of the Leaders Forum highlighted;
- Congratulations to Canberra Airport on their successful open day.
- Welcome to Karen Doran, the new CEO of the National Capital Authority.
- VisitCBR Choose Tourism Jobs Expo, the last one will be held on 15 May at CIT.
- VisitCBR conference will be held on 24 July at Rex Hotel.
- Canberra Business Chamber currently have a special membership offer.
Next forum Tuesday 4 June 2024.
Agenda:
- 9.00am H.E. Gopal Baglay, Indian High Commissioner to Australia on Indian visitor trends into Australia and Canberra
- 9.20am Kieren Perkins CEO Australian Sports Commission on the future direction of the AIS Canberra
- 9.40am Garrett Tyler-Parker Visit Canberra on the latest tourism statistics and future visitor trends
Thanks to our partner, Hiebl Photography, for these photos of the Forum.