Portfolio — 7 July 2026

Senator McCarthy, the Minister for Indigenous Australians, launched the next phase of the $5 million Red Centre Marketing Boost on 7 July, introducing Tourism Central Australia's Fly Free to Alice campaign in partnership with NT Now [TA-260706-pmc-e5e74ead4fbf]. The campaign offers Australian travellers free flights to the Red Centre when they book a qualifying travel experience, extending the reach of the two-year 'Head for the Heart' initiative that began in March.

Alongside the campaign launch, the Minister confirmed that $2.5 million in grants have been delivered to 17 tourism businesses through the Red Centre Tourism Development Fund, with funding directed at new visitor offerings designed to encourage longer stays [TA-260706-pmc-e5e74ead4fbf]. Both instruments sit within the government's broader $8.5 million Red Centre investment package, which also includes a $1 million Alice Springs Revival and Resilience grant program scheduled to commence in November 2025 [TA-260706-pmc-e5e74ead4fbf].

The Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Farrell, joined the announcement and framed the $8.5 million package as a targeted effort to sustain regional jobs and communities, signalling active cross-portfolio coordination between the Indigenous Australians and Trade and Tourism portfolios on this program. The portfolio's operating approach combines direct business grants with consumer-facing marketing campaigns to build visitor numbers, diversify tourism product in Central Australia, and support Indigenous operators.