Since I first stood in this House in 2006, the economic environment affecting our state has changed dramatically. Precipitated by events overseas and beyond the control of the Australian or Queensland governments, economic growth has stalled and with it state government revenues have fallen.

Nearly $2.5 billion of Queensland government infrastructure projects are committed or have been commenced in the far northern region. I fully support this approach. Protecting the jobs of Queenslanders today is not only good economic policy but also the best social policy. No amount of welfare or other forms of government assistance can substitute for the benefits of gainful employment. The Cairns area is experiencing a spike in unemployment, and local job losses have occurred in the mining, construction, manufacturing and tourism industries.

The far northern regional economy is particularly dependent on the tourism industry. One in five workers in tropical North Queensland depends on tourism, and one in 10 businesses relies directly on tourism for their survival. A recent report commissioned by the Australian government concluded that tourism generates $11,000 for every man, woman and child in the region. Of the top 20 tourism regions in Australia, the tropical North Queensland economy is the most reliant on tourism. Tourism is not just important for the tropical north but is also a vital industry throughout the state, directly employing about 119,000 Queenslanders. Seventy-five per cent of them are employed by small businesses. Domestic and international tourism contributes approximately $9 billion to the state economy and is second only to coal as an export earner.

In recognition of the importance of the industry, the Bligh government has committed a further $38 million over three years to support regionally focused marketing activities and product development campaigns over and above the $137 million already committed to Tourism Queensland over the next three years. The new funding is also in addition to the $15 million per annum available to support the industry through the Queensland Investment Incentives Scheme. Some $6 million of the new funding will be used by Tourism Queensland to market major business, sporting and cultural events, and a further $1.8 million will be used for new and upgraded roadside infrastructure such as picnic and rest areas and tourism signage to support the drive market.

As the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, I will be assisting the Minister for Tourism to implement the government's policy priorities for the industry which over the next year are squarely focused on protecting jobs.

In 2009, the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation will also carry out a review of the 10-year Queensland Tourism Strategy to ensure its continuing relevance in the light of rapidly changing circumstances and to take advantage of opportunities presented by completed actions since the plan was adopted in 2006. Queensland has a great range and diversity of tourism products suited to every taste and budget. The product on offer is continually evolving but there is no doubt that our superb natural attractions such as our beaches, islands, rainforests and the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef are the big attractions.

With the support of government, new product will be developed, and I am particularly keen to see the continued growth of Indigenous tourism. There are no silver bullets to overcome the lack of opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to achieve economic independence. However, tourism is most definitely going to be part of that solution.

The success of Tjabukai dance theatre from its early days in Kuranda through to its purpose-built facility in Smithfield in the Barron River electorate is a wonderful example of how to showcase the ancient Indigenous culture in a contemporary and entertaining way. Under the guidance of creative director David Hudson, Tjabukai is well placed to adapt to an evolving market for Indigenous tourism experiences. Although the way in which Indigenous culture is presented to tourists will change as the expectations and desires of tourists change, I have no doubt that tourists will continue to seek authentic experiences of Indigenous culture and country.

The Bligh government's support of bold new initiatives such as the proposed Dreaming track in Cape York demonstrates our determination to support new opportunities for Indigenous people to achieve economic security and independence. I intend to work closely with the member for Cook, Balkanu, the Cape York Land Council, the Cape York institute and traditional owners to make sure that the Dreaming track becomes a reality.

Having regard to the time, I will conclude my brief remarks by simply recording a few thank you's. I would like to thank everyone who supported the re-election of the Bligh Labor government at the last election. In particular, I acknowledge the support of Labor Party members; trade unions; my campaign manager, Lesley Clark; and my parliamentary colleagues from the north-the member for Cairns, the member for Cook, the former member for Mulgrave and the newly elected member for Mulgrave. I also want to thank my wife and family for their ongoing love and support, without which I would be unable to carry out my responsibilities as a member of parliament.

Throughout Queensland's and indeed the nation's history, it has so often been Labor governments that people have turned to or relied upon in times of crisis. I am very mindful of those who placed their faith and trust in Labor at the helm as the Bligh government navigates our way through these uncharted economic waters.