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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-03-29 Daily Xml
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SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (15:11): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Tourism on the topic of tourism benefit for marriage equality and weddings in this state.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: The findings of a recently released report—the 'Economic impact of extending marriage to same-sex couples in Australia' by the Williams Institute of the University of California—indicate that the net benefit to a state in tourism terms could range from $161 million to as much as $742 million over the first three years for any Australian state that first grants marriage equality. My questions to the minister are:

1. Is the minister aware of the findings of this report published by Professor Lee Badgett and Jennifer Smith of the Williams Institute?

2. Has the South Australian Tourism Commission conducted any research to assess the likely tourism economic benefits of South Australia being the first state to grant marriage equality rights to our citizens and to other citizens interstate?

3. If the South Australian Tourism Commission has not conducted any such research, will the minister provide a copy of this report to the South Australian Tourism Commission?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (15:12): I thank the honourable member for her most important question. Indeed, members would be well aware that I and other members in this place, particularly the Hon. Ian Hunter, have been long-time advocates for equality, including equality in marriage. I very much look forward to the day that same-sex marriage is considered to be marriage. I agree with the Hon. Tammy Franks most strongly that there are potentially great opportunities for this state. I can just see us being the wedding place for gay tourism.

The Hon. J.M. Gazzola: In March—'Marriage March'.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: March is a good time. I am aware that there is a report, and I have not had an opportunity to read it yet. I have requested that I receive a copy of it and I will be most happy, once I have a copy, to pass that on to the SATC.

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