The Hon Tim Fischer, Chairman of Tourism Australia, today announced the appointment of Mr Scott Morrison as Managing Director of Tourism Australia. Mr Morrison will take up the appointment for a three-year term from 13 December 2004.

Mr Morrison comes to Tourism Australia with considerable experience in the tourism sector in both Australia and New Zealand. He established the New Zealand Office of Tourism and Sport, which substantially reformed tourism marketing, research and forecasting. The office also helped facilitate the creation of the acclaimed 100% Pure New Zealand campaign that helped secure outstanding tourism growth for that country.

Mr Morrison also brings with him considerable knowledge of the tourism industry in Australia, from his work at the Tourism Task Force, Property Council of Australia, Tourism Council of Australia and KPMG consulting, where he was responsible for the tourism and leisure sector.

Mr Fischer also extended his sincere thanks to Mr Ken Boundy, who has been acting as interim Managing Director since Tourism Australia commenced operations on 1 July this year.

�Mr Boundy has done an outstanding job in steering the former Australian Tourist Commission through some very turbulent times, including its transition to the new Tourism Australia,� Mr Fischer said. �The Board is indebted to him for his achievements.�

In addition to the announcement of Mr Morrison�s appointment, Tourism Australia announced key developments in strengthening operations in Asia. Key points are as follows:

� Richard Beere as the new Director, International. Richard has worked with Tourism Australia and the Australian Tourist Commission for over 15 years, most recently as Executive General Manager � Eastern Hemisphere. � Greig McAllan will take up the new position of, General Manager, Asia based in Hong Kong effective 1 January 2005. Mr McAllan will be responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of both North and South Asia activities and operations. � Johnny Nee and Maggie White will take up the roles of Regional Manager, North Asia and Regional Manager South/South East Asia respectively. In their new roles Mr Nee and Ms White will continue to manage operations on a respective geographic basis but will also strengthen their development activities in key emerging markets such as China and India in line with Government policy initiatives. � Ms San Chan will continue in her role as Consumer Marketing Manager, Asia based in Hong Kong.

Mr McAllan said, �The number of outbound tourists from Asia is expected to show strong growth in coming years and Tourism Australia recognises the enormous potential of the region for Australian tourism.�

�With additional funding for marketing programs and the senior management team now in place in Asia, Tourism Australia is well placed to capitalise on and drive this market to new heights.�

For more information, contact: Louise Hodges, PR Manager Asia, Tourism Australia. Tel: +852 2531 3869 / email lhodges@tourism.australia.com

About Tourism Australia

Tourism Australia was officially formed on 1 July 2004. The new organisation is an initiative of the Australian Government�s Tourism White Paper.

The new organisation brings together the activities of the Australian Tourist Commission, the domestic marketing body See Australia, the Bureau of Tourism Research and Tourism Forecasting Council.

Website: Consumer � www.australia.com Corporate: www.tourism.australia.com