Conflict of interest claim as Government plugs Tourism Minister’s restaurant
Australia’s tourism minister Andrew Robb has hit back at opposition claims he tried to influence officials at Tourism Australia to feature his family restaurant in its latest international marketing campaign.
Calling the accusations ‘muck-raking,’ he has insisted there was no conflict of interest.
Robb said he disclosed his interest in the Boathouse restaurant at Sydney’s Palm Beach when appointed as minister a year ago.
"As such, the only relevant issue here is whether I have sought to influence in any way at any time, the approach of Tourism Australia towards this business. The answer to that question is an emphatic no," he said.
The restaurant is one of several eateries showcased in Tourism Australia’s latest AU$40 million state funded promotional campaign aimed at international food lovers entitled ‘Restaurant Australia.’
A spokesman for the minister said: "Mr Robb had nothing to do with the listing, full-stop, nor is he director of the business, for very good reason. Restaurant Australia is an industry-wide promotion with 1,700 businesses registered and around 800 businesses have been selected by Tourism Australia for a feature page."
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt