FAIR GO FOR REAL ARTISTS

DODGY operators have been a thorn in tourism’s side for decades, flogging shoddy rip-off goods from warehouses after conning international tourists into believing they are genuine products.

The rackets have extended to goods passed off as genuine indigenous art, capitalising on worldwide interest in the beautiful work created by artists here and across Australia. Casting out opportunists who churn out fake art from factories cannot come soon enough.

The key lies in encouraging genuine artists to produce and market quality pieces locally. Due recognition must be paid to the creative talent of local indigenous artists. What a wonderful Commonwealth Games legacy that would be.

What a lasting impression of the remarkable talent that has been hidden for too long while scammers have leapt in to make easy dollars from a gullible tourist public. Mayor Tom Tate is on board with a push to deliver a genuine brand and products that celebrate the skills of locals.

At the heart of such a project is a determination to protect indigenous culture while benefiting local artists and encouraging others to develop their talent.