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Director-General

Message from the Director-General

Queensland's greatest growth areas are the small business, hospitality and tourism markets. Not only do these sectors contribute to employment and economic growth, they also influence the way Queenslanders invest their leisure time and money.

The information and services provided by the Department of Tourism, Fair Trading and Wine Industry Development support these sectors by promoting growth and development within a socially responsible framework.

As we continue to foster a marketplace that protects consumers and patrons, builds confidence and encourages industry investment, it is important that we stay attuned to growing public expectations for much closer relationships between business, consumer groups, local communities and the Government.

The key priorities for the Department are:

promoting the economic development of the liquor and wine industries within a socially and commercially responsible framework
developing the Queensland wine industry by promoting to national and international markets and fostering strategic alliances between the tourism and wine sectors
fostering cooperation and collaboration between key Queensland Government agencies and private industry for sustainable tourism growth
building consumer and business confidence in the marketplace by delivering effective industry regulation and improving the integrity of trading practices within Queensland
providing accessible, equitable, responsive and authoritative information and dispute resolution services to stakeholders, with an emphasis on mediation.

For the Department to realise its vision - a fair and dynamic marketplace that encourages responsible practices and sustainable growth in the tourism, wine, liquor and hospitality industries in Queensland - it will need to nurture the talent and commitment of its staff as well as building and maintaining excellent relationships with all levels of government, industry and consumers.

We welcome the challenge.

George O'Farrell
Director-General

About George O'Farrell

George O'Farrell was appointed as Director-General of the Department of Tourism, Fair Trading and Wine Industry Development on 24 July 2006.

Prior to taking up this role, he held the position of Queensland Public Service Commissioner over two years from 2003. George also held the position of Executive Director in the Office of Public Service Merit and Equity between 2001 and 2003.

Before joining the Queensland Government in 2001, George held a number of senior positions with the Tasmanian Government, including Chief Executive of the Workplace Standards Authority and Deputy Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources. He has also worked for the Tasmanian Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Parliament of Tasmania, and the Schools Board of Tasmania.

Last updated 08 November 2006.