For indigenous communities the economic stimulus provided by tourism actually encourages them to retain and entrench cultural practices. This is in stark contrast to some other economic opportunities for indigenous communities, like mining. However, Mr Gava's proposal to deliberately constrict the flow of tourism dollars to the Northern Territory and Western Australia would result in increased economic hardship for indigenous communities. Economic hardship is, of course, recognised as one of the major contributors to societal breakdown and crime. Mr Gava's proposal therefore would potentially increase the flow of people coming before the injustice of the mandatory sentencing regime.
Tourism enriches our lives.
It gives us experiences of other peoples, other cultures and other histories that challenge our internal frames of reference. It breaks down ignorance and improves relationships. If we turn away from these people, those responsible for unjust laws will simply get away with it. The indigenous communities of the Northern Territory demand more understanding through increased tourism, not less. Christopher Brown, Chief Executive, Tourism Task Force, Sydney.