The Australian Government has announced the appointment to the Tourism Australia Board of four new members.

Tourism Australia is the Australian Government agency responsible for the promotion of Australia as a destination for leisure and business visitors.

The new appointees include:

  • Jenny Lambert OAM, who 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.
    • Michael Lee, who 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.
    • Tim Yeend, who 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.
    • Peter Laurance AO, who brings experience as an owner and developer of major visitor 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 Penny Fowler, who has been appointed Chair, and Ian Horne, who has been appointed Deputy Chair.

Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell said: "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 Michael Issenberg, Deputy Chair Jeffery Ellison AM, John Hart OAM and Annabel Dolphin for their service and contributions to Tourism Australia. Their dedication to the organisation has been greatly appreciated by the Australian 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."

Industry welcomes Board announcements

Industry bodies the Australian Hotels Association and Accommodation Australia welcomed the appointments.

AHA National CEO Stephen Ferguson said the appointment of Accommodation Australia’s National Policy Director Jenny Lambert to the board was great news, along with the appointment of serving board member, former AHA South Australia CEO Ian Horne, to Deputy Chair.

“Jenny has incredible experience in the industry and will be a great asset to the Tourism Australia Board,” said Mr Ferguson.

“Promoting Australia to overseas tourists is vital to the hospitality and accommodation sectors and this appointment is an encouraging signal Government is listening to industry and is interested in a broad cross section of views and experience on the Tourism Australia board.

"I also welcome the appointment of Ian Horne to Deputy Chair, as he is a great advocate for hospitality over many years.”

Accommodation Australia CEO James Goodwin said. “The new appointments show just how respected our two Associations are and the quality of the people we work with.

“Tourism is the lifeblood that supports thousands of jobs and businesses right across Australia.

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