Australian Tourist Commission Amendment Act 1999

Overview

The Australian Tourist Commission Amendment Act 1999 is an Act enacted by the Parliament of Australia to amend the Australian Tourist Commission Act 1987. This amendment was introduced to address the need for the Australian Tourist Commission to not only focus on promoting tourism but also to consider the ecological and social impacts of tourism activities within Australia. The primary objective of the Act, as stated in the Minister's second reading speech, was to incorporate the principles of ecologically sustainable development and to raise awareness of the social and cultural impacts of international tourism. The Act received Royal Assent on 11 November 1999 and came into effect on the same day, amending the Australian Tourist Commission Act 1987 to include these additional responsibilities.

Scope and Application

The Australian Tourist Commission Amendment Act 1999 amends the Australian Tourist Commission Act 1987, focusing on enhancing the Commission's role in promoting sustainable tourism practices and raising awareness about the social and cultural impacts of international tourism in Australia. This Act applies to the Australian Tourist Commission, an entity responsible for promoting tourism within Australia. The amendment seeks to integrate ecologically sustainable development principles, as outlined in the Natural Heritage Trust of Australia Act 1997, into the Commission's operations, thereby extending its mandate beyond mere promotional activities to include environmental stewardship and cultural sensitivity. The jurisdictional reach of this Act is nationwide, as it pertains to the Australian Tourist Commission, which operates under Commonwealth law. There are no specific exclusions or exemptions mentioned within the text provided, but the application of the Act may be further defined or restricted through subordinate instruments or regulations that may be issued under the authority of the amended Act.

Key Provisions

The Australian Tourist Commission Amendment Act 1999 introduces several key changes to the Australian Tourist Commission Act 1987. Primarily, section 6(c) of the original Act is amended to include new responsibilities for the Australian Tourist Commission (ATC). Specifically, it now mandates the ATC to collaborate with other relevant agencies to promote the principles of ecologically sustainable development as outlined in subsection 21(3) of the Natural Heritage Trust of Australia Act 1997. Additionally, the amended Act requires the ATC to raise awareness about the social and cultural impacts of international tourism in Australia. This is a significant shift from the previous mandate, which did not specifically address ecological sustainability or cultural impacts. The obligations imposed by the amendment require the ATC to actively engage with other agencies in promoting sustainable development principles. This collaboration is crucial in ensuring that tourism practices do not adversely affect the environment. Furthermore, the ATC must undertake initiatives to raise awareness among stakeholders and the public about the social and cultural impacts of international tourism. This involves educational programs, public campaigns, and possibly partnerships with cultural and environmental organisations. These obligations are designed to ensure that tourism development in Australia is balanced with the need to protect and promote its natural and cultural heritage. In terms of legal consequences, the Act does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance with these new provisions. However, the general legal framework under which the ATC operates may still apply. Non-compliance with statutory duties could potentially lead to legal action under general administrative law principles, including judicial review or enforcement actions by relevant authorities. The penalties for such breaches would depend on the specific nature of the non-compliance and the remedies available under the relevant laws. While the Act itself does not specify maximum penalties, the broader legal context suggests that non-compliance could result in significant administrative and reputational consequences for the ATC.