Tourism Australia Board appointments

Today I am pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to the Tourism Australia Board.

• Ms Jenny Lambert OAM has more than 40 years' experience in policy and advocacy, with a focus on tourism, hospitality and workforce. She is Accommodation Australia’s National Policy Director, and previously served as a Policy Director with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
• The Hon Michael Lee brings extensive experience as a former Federal Minister. Mr Lee served as Minister for Tourism and Minister for Resources, during which he also held responsibility for communications and the arts.
• Mr Tim Yeend has provided strategic direction to the highest levels of government over many decades. Most recently he served as an Associate Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and previously was the Australian Ambassador to the World Trade Organization.
• Mr Peter Laurance AO brings valuable experience as an owner and developer of major tourism attractions, including theme parks, hotels and resorts. Mr Laurance has been awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia for services to tourism.

The new look Board will be led by serving members Mrs Penny Fowler who has been appointed Chair and, Mr Ian Horne who has been appointed Deputy Chair.

Tourism is the lifeblood of our regions, supporting thousands of jobs and small businesses, it is a key driver for local economies right across Australia.

I welcome the new appointees and look forward to working with them, and Tourism Australia as they continue to drive demand and attract more international travellers to our shores.

I thank departing Board members, Chair Mr Michael Issenberg, Deputy Chair Mr Jeffrey Ellison AM, Mr John Hart OAM, and Ms Annabel Dolphin for their service and contributions to Tourism Australia. Their dedication to the organisation has been greatly appreciated by the Government as well as the tourism and travel industry.

I would also particularly like to thank Mr Issenberg for his leadership of the board since 2021. His experience and guidance has been critical as the industry has continued its recovery from the impact of the pandemic.