THE Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) has applauded the State Government’s pledge to provide Museum Victoria with $3 million in funding for its exhibition renewal program.

“We welcome the State Government’s continued support for cultural tourism as this sector is a significant driver of Melbourne’s development as a travel destination for Victorian, interstate and international visitors,” says VTIC Chief Executive Dianne Smith. "A vibrant tourism industry creates and sustains jobs and it’s positive to see the government prioritising this in the budget.” 

Ms Smith’s comments follow last night’s announcement by the Hon. Heidi Victoria MP, Minister for the Arts, that the government will allocate $3 million in the 2014-15 State Budget to support Museum Victoria’s exhibition renewal program in the year ahead.

www.vtic.com.au

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THE Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) has welcomed the State Government’s announcement that it will fix mobile blackspots and provide free Wi-Fi on V/Line trains travelling between Melbourne and Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Seymour and Traralgon. 

Chief Executive Dianne Smith says “This initiative will enhance the visitor experience of Melburnians together with  interstate and international visitors when they travel by train to enjoy the many attractions of these fantastic regional cities”. 

“VTIC has consistently called for the introduction of free Wi-Fi on V/Line trains so it is very pleasing that there has now been this commitment made by the State Government to deliver this to support regional tourism operators and related businesses.

“We encourage the State Government to consider further rolling out of  Wi-Fi services across the V/Line network.”

www.vtic.com.au

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PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) was somewhat disappointed to see consumer confidence remain flat after the Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment rose by only 0.3 percent in April to 99.7. 

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said retailers were hoping for a better result, given that the index has fallen by a total of 9.6 percent since November. 

“Consumers need to see some of the Government’s promised boosts to increasing hip pocket flexibility delivered by the Senate such as the abolition of the carbon tax. 

“What the industry also needs now is Government support through cutting red tape, greater employment flexibility, addressing the GST loophole and reducing other burdens on Australian businesses who are struggling to keep their heads above water. 

“Employment flexibility is a major for issue for the retail sector - retailers must be able to trade when customers want to shop. Today we live in a global market and we will only lose trade to overseas competitors if we do not trade to meet customer requirements. 

“All levels of Government and the Fair Work Commission (FWC) must recognise the need to broaden the definition of normal working hours for those employees who wish to be flexible. 

“It is perfectly reasonably that many employees are happy to start at 10am or 11am and finish work at (a still reasonable) 6pm or 7pm, allowing them to coordinate child, school and other duties with their partners. 

“Why, in this day and age, retail businesses are punished for opening after 6pm, when many families find these flexible times fully reasonable, is anachronistic,” Mr Zimmerman said. 

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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VECCI chief executive Fi on some regional train services.

"Fi on V/Line trains travelling between Melbourne and Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Seymour and Traralgon," Mr Stone said.

"This initiative will help commuting employees, business owners and managers continue working and servicing clients while travelling, as well as provide benefits to tourism travelers.

"Fi on V/Line trains and we applaud the state and federal governments for collaborating for the good of regional business," he said.

"We encourage the State Government to consider rolling out Wi-Fi services across the V/Line network more broadly."

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the peak body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

www.vecci.org.au

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