Graeme came from a strong background in Tourism and together with partners, formed an Alpine Adventure Company in 1982. At the time, the company ran cross country skiing tours in remote areas of the Victorian Alps. He is a founding and life member of the well-respected Victorian Tourism Operators Association (VTOA).

It was logical then that he was appointed a member of the first Government Tourism Committee in 1992. In 1996, he was appointed Chairman and continues to hold that position in Opposition. The Tourism Committee has an extremely important role in consulting with the tourism industry and tourism operators. This information is used to create policy and give feedback to the Minister for Tourism (and now Shadow Minister).

Members of the present Parliamentary Liberal Party Tourism Committee are:

- Hon Graeme Stoney MLC (Chairman)

- Hon Bill Forward MLC (Shadow Minister for Tourism)

- Hon Cameron Boardman MLC

- Christine Fyfe MLA

- Hurtle Lupton MLA

- Hon Gordon Rich-Phillips MLC

It is interesting to note that the Labor Government has not appointed a Tourism Committee, or if they have, it is so low profile the industry does not know of its existence.

One has to ask the question - is the Statement Government just paying lip service to such an important part of Victoria's economy and part of many Victorians' way of life?