Industry unhappy with Hames loss
The tourism industry yesterday reacted with disappointment at the loss of a minister it widely supported and urged Colin Barnett to replace Kim Hames with another senior Government figure.
Hospitality industry chief Bradley Woods branded the Premier's decision an "overreaction", saying there was plenty of precedent for MPs paying back innocently claimed expenses without penalty.
Tourism Council chief executive Evan Hall said Dr Hames' crowning achievement was this year's election promise to increase the portfolio's budget by $24 million over four years from 2013-14.
"We did regard Dr Hames very highly as a very effective tourism minister," Mr Hall said.
"We're pleased that the Premier has decided to fill the role on a temporary basis because the next couple of weeks are critical. We have an election commitment from the Government for an additional $6 million per annum over four years.
"Without that money, we will lose jobs. With that money, we will start to get jobs back."
Mr Hall said tourism had suffered as a sidelined industry during the peak of mining amid a high Australian dollar.
Mr Woods said Dr Hames had been one of the best tourism ministers in the past 10 years.
"An administrative error should not be a hanging offence," he said.
Tourism WA chairman Peter Prendiville said he was disappointed by the loss.
"Kim was a passionate advocate for WA's tourism industry," he said.
"He worked exceptionally hard to gain a good understanding of the industry, with a view to making a difference."
This month it was revealed that Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott had to pay back $9000 in travel expenses he wrongly claimed for a 2009 tour to promote his book.
Dr Hames said he was sorry to lose a portfolio he really enjoyed.
"There are a lot of people out there in the tourism industry who are fabulous people," he said.
"I've really liked working with them and I wish them the best."
Mr Barnett acknowledged that the industry would not be happy with Dr Hames' demotion.
He said he had not given thought to who would replace Dr Hames but it would be an existing minister.
