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DAVID Walsh’s $37 million dispute with the Australian Taxation Office is over, ensuring the Tasmanian entrepreneur can continue to develop his ground-breaking museum.
The founder of MONA, the state’s most popular tourist attraction, had faced a massive tax bill on gambling profits the ATO alleged he made between 2004 and 2006.
The ATO launched Federal Court action against Mr Walsh but the issue was settled yesterday.
The news was a huge relief for the tourism industry after fears the dispute would lead to Mr Walsh moving overseas, curtailing the expansion of the highly successful Museum of Old and New Art.
• SMH: The judges who took offence … at MONA, here
• ABC Online: Walsh plans high-rise hotel
• Examiner: Hobart is world class, says Lonely Planet … because of MONA
• Tim Morris: Tourism accolade points the way forward for Tasmania
Lonely Planet Listing Delivers a Branding Boost
Tim Morris MP
Greens Tourism Spokesperson
Monday, 22 October 2012
The Tasmanian Greens have warmly welcomed the news that Hobart has been listed in the top ten of Lonely Planet’s best cities to visit, saying the accolade reinforced the Greens’ push toward a modern Tasmanian economy based on smart thinking and innovation.
Greens Tourism spokesperson, Tim Morris MP, said that with accessible wilderness, the best produce in the world, and now a growing reputation as an exciting and subversive cultural destination, Tasmania was rightly positioned as offering one of the world’s best travel experiences.
“The exposure that the Lonely Planet brand will bring to Hobart and Tasmania is potentially massive and local operators need to be properly prepared to capitalise on this opportunity,” Mr Morris said.
“We must acknowledge the amount of attention that the MONA has brought to our state as a destination, as well as the cash flow it has been generated for so many other businesses.”
“Combine this with the Lonely Planet’s Bay of Fires listing, and Tasmania is fast gaining a reputation for offering an experience that stimulates all the senses, and that can compete with some of the world’s best known destinations.”
“We offer something unique in both our cultural and natural assets, and clearly it makes good economic sense to protect these assets.”
“Tasmanians can be excited and proud of where we are headed,” Mr Morris said.
• Luke Martin, Tourism Industry Council: MONA shines bright. Even in the dark.
Tasmania’s peak tourism industry body has described ‘Dark MOFO’ as the best opportunity the industry has ever had to crack the perennial nut of industry seasonality.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Luke Martin commended David Walsh, Brian Ritchie and the MONA team for their vision in driving Tasmania into new and untapped visitor markets, and Premier Lara Giddings for clearly embracing their vision.
“Tasmania has this great global reputation for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.”
“Breaking the perception that Tasmania is a place best visited over the warmer months is the holy grail for our industry.”
“Having a world class experience like MONA that is not weather dependent, underpinned by a thriving art and cultural scene, provides the opportunity to reintroduce Tasmania as an all year destination.”
“Dark MOFO is a great example of government and industry working together to seize this opportunity once and for all.”
“The support of Government and industry is critical to make the event right from the start and ensuring the event becomes a major feature.”
“We know MONA’s appeal is extremely strong, further evidenced by today’s announcement that Hobart is among the world’s top 10 cities for 2013.”
