Labor woos familes, Libs boost tourism

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has promised more money for families with teenagers while Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says a Coalition government would boost the tourism industry to the tune of $92 million.

Ms Gillard made her announcement at a Catholic College in the marginal Sydney seat of Lindsay where she said a Labor Government would increase support to families with teenagers by up to $4000.

Family Tax Benefit Part A would be increased by up to $150 a fortnight for teenagers aged 16 to 18 year olds who are still at school or studying a trade.

The families of about 650,000 teenagers who will turn 16 over the next five years are expected to benefit from the change.

The policy change, which would come into affect from January 2012 is expected to cost $668 million over the forward estimates.

Currently when a child turns 16 the Family Tax Benefit falls from $208 to $51.

Mr Abbott was in far north Queensland today where he kicked off the day by visiting a tour boat operator in the marginally held Labor seat of Leichhardt.

While he was there he announced the tourism funding which includes $40 million to provide grants of up to $100,000 to build infrastructure projects for tourism projects.

Mr Abbott announced a Coalition government would provide the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux with $17.5 million over four years to operate a Business Events Bid and Boost Fund.

He also promised $8 million for Tourism Research Australia over four years to grow Australia's tourism research capabilities.

The Coalition has already announced that it will provide Tourism Australia with a further $10.5 million over four years to increase the marketing capacity of Business Events Australia.