This research examines the pattern of Australian government involvement in the leisure industry since World War II. The research will set the context in which leisure-industry development occurred over the last half of the 20th century and discuss the background and substance of initiatives taken in this area.
The leisure industry, which includes tourism, gaming, recreation, and sports activities, has been identified as a major source of revenue and economic activity for Australia. As of the year 2000, tourism reportedly accounted for more than 500,000 jobs in Australia and some $26 billion, or 4.3% of Australia's entire industrial output. In 2000 and 2001, international visitors purchased $17.1 billion worth of goods and services, with an estimated 29% of that going for long-distance transportation, 14% to shopping, gifts, and souvenirs, and 13% for accommodations. The international-travel figures declined by 7% in 2002, owing chiefly to the events of September 11, 2001 (AusNews). However, in 2002, the Australian government began work on what was called the Tourism Green Paper, which outlined a 10-year strategic plan for government/industry collaboration in tourism development (ATEC).
The overarching point is that, as Australia moves into the 21st century, its leisure industry has reached an industrial critical mass. However, that was not always the case. To be sure, Australians have long been involved in a variety of leisure-time activities. According to Waterhouse (12ff), that owes something to the fact that Australia's historical period, starting with the British invasion, was marked significantly by the construction of culture by the convicts who were transported from England. Waterhouse argues that the impulse toward self-betterment fostered a mercantilist turn of mind that was also consistent with giving attention to recreation and a "lively" popular culture. In the most recent historical period, notably after World War II...