CALLS are growing stronger for Queensland to permanently delay the start of the school year until after the Australia Day holiday, with industry leaders highlighting the significant economic benefits for the state’s tourism sector.
State Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek has indicated he is open to considering proposals that support tourism, following a year in which an extended holiday period was forecast to inject up to $250 million into the economy.
Traditionally, Queensland students return to school in mid-January, but this year’s amended schedule allowed holidays to extend until January 28.
This shift led to a surge in tourism, with accommodation bookings across the state seeing double-digit growth compared to the same period last year.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Natassia Wheeler emphasised the economic advantages of extending the holiday period.
“Families would have more time to travel, creating meaningful memories, while tourism operators would experience a critical boost in visitor numbers,” Ms Wheeler said.
“Every dollar counts, and a longer January holiday would be a win-win for families and the tourism industry.”
The impact of this year’s delayed school return is already evident.
Brisbane accommodation bookings surged by 20 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast operators have also reported substantial increases in visitor numbers, with bookings up 12 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.
While the current school calendar provides Queenslanders with an Australia Day long weekend for the next two years, the schedule is set to revert to earlier term starts for the remainder of the decade.
However, calls for change continue, with Mr Langbroek confirming that any decision would prioritise the interests of students, families, teachers and the broader education sector.
