THE Australian golf industry has taken its case to Canberra in a bid to put itself further before the political spotlight.

Industry representatives wanted to impress on Canberra the contribution golf makes to the nation, both economically and otherwise.

Federal Minister for Sport Kate Ellis and Richard Marles, Parliamentary Secretary for innovation and Industry, welcomed delegates from the Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC) for a series of meetings with a range of MPs.

Kate Ellis got into the swing of things with a golf lesson on the lawns of Parliament House from PGA professional Jake Nagle, grandson of Australian great Kel.

“Golf is incredibly important to the Australian government,” Ms Ellis said.

“In terms of reaching government objectives, it is (the government’s) objective to have a healthy community. It is our objective to have a strong economy. It is our objective to have well supported and well operating large industries. It is our objective to boost tourism and to do a whole range of things that golf- out there as a silent achiever- is already doing. And today is about recognising that.”

Max Garske, CEO of the PGA of Australia added, “golf is an extremely diverse industry and we cut across so many portfolios including trade, international affairs and a whole range of areas so today is really about working out how we can further leverage our sport.”

Throughout today AGIC delegates met with a range of Ministers and their representatives covering a diversity of portfolios including Regional Development, Trade, Women, Tourism and the Environment.

At the forefront of priorities for the delegation is conveying the substantial value of the Australian Golf Industry that directly employs 23,000 Australians and contributes $2.7 billion to the national annual economy.

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