With the Northern Territory Government's memorable 'You'll never never know, if you never, never go' marketing campaign underway, boosting the tourism industry was a top priority for the Marshall Perron-led CLP Government in 1994, according to Cabinet Records released today.
The tourism campaign, fronted by TV personality Daryl Somers from 1994-1998, won a host of national and international awards, and helped put the Northern Territory on the tourism destination map and created a substantial boost in visitor numbers.
Minister for People, Sport and Culture, Jinson Charls said 1994 was a year that helped to put the Northern Territory firmly on the tourism destination map.
"The Daryl Somers campaign gained the interest of new audiences who were intrigued by the Territory's unique lifestyle and landscapes and that's something that we continue to champion 30 years later," said Mr Charls.
To continue this momentum and encourage more tourists, Cabinet endorsed the Northern Territory Tourism Development Masterplan which recommended strategies to support 'niche markets' including nature-based tourism, fishing and fossicking.
A separate discussion paper on Aboriginal Cultural Tourism and a strategy to improve domestic and international air routes to and within the Territory were also endorsed to help bolster tourism as a key driver of economic growth.
The CLP Government of 1994 made amendments to payroll tax, with Cabinet increasing the threshold to better support Territory business, a decision mirrored by the current CLP Government as new payroll tax reforms come into effect in 2025.
Cabinet also approved the tabling of 'Looking Ahead, A Plan of Action for Women in the Northern Territory 2000' in the Legislative Assembly during a time when all Cabinet members were men. The Cabinet today includes four female leaders, one of whom is the Chief Minister, highlighting the Government's growth since 1994 around gender equity.
"While looking back at 1994 brings a comforting sense of nostalgia, it's also an important reminder of the progress that's been made in the past 30 years," said Mr Charls.
The Women in Sport and Recreation Draft Policy was also developed highlighting the importance of women and girls gaining equal access to, and opportunities to participate in, sport and recreation.
1994 also saw Governor-General of Australia Bill Hayden officially open Parliament House and the opening of the Cyclone Tracy exhibit at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, which has been redesigned this year to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the natural disaster.
Other Cabinet highlights of the year were:
Funding approval for the development of the Desert Wildlife Park and Botanic Gardens Alice Springs which opened in 1997.
More focus on increasing the employment rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the NT Public Sector through the Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Strategy.
Improving support services for migrants making the NT their new home through the Northern Territory Integrated Settlement Plan.
Greater acknowledgement of the close traditional association of Australia's First Peoples with biological diversity through the National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia's Biological Diversity.
Distribution of the bushfire management strategy to engage the community in the prevention and control methods used to manage bushfires.
More protection for vulnerable witnesses while providing evidence through the introduction of closed-circuit television facilities in court rooms.
Released on the first day of January each year, Northern Territory Government Cabinet Records are made public after 30 years in line with the Information Act 2002
Photos: Minister Charls with Library and Archives NT Director, Tracy Puklowski.
