Give tourism industry a helping hand Telstra's WA Business of the Year winner Adam Barnard, says the WA Government needs to help the tourism industry pick up the slack of a slowing mining sector. THE WA Government must give the state's tourism industry some serious attention so it can pick up the slack of the slowing mining sector, according to Telstra WA Business of the Year Adams Group. The state-wide coach network that started with one bus in 2005 and now has a fleet of 88 vehicles won the medium business category at last night's awards before being crowned Business of the Year. Managing director Adam Barnard said he hoped to use the award to further the interests of tourism in the state. His award comes as former Tourism Minister Kim Hames, who was at the ceremony, was sacked after claiming $1000 in expenses he was not entitled to between 2009 and 2011. Mr Barnard said it Dr Hames was an outstanding Minister but when forced to juggle tourism with the Health portfolio simply didn't have the time. "If we invest in tourism it will be the next big thing for WA, or potentially, we've got to get everybody to listen to the story and actually do something about it," he said. Mr Barnard said the industry employed more people than other sectors and would benefits everybody from the corner shop to local residents. "We've had our mining for a long time now, and it's great - we benefit from it and we still do, but we think it's clear that we're coming off the end of that boom and we need something to run with afterwards," he said. It just needs to be taken seriously because everybody benefits. Mr Barnard, a former Australian Army soldier who also operated backpack tours, started the company in 2005 by purchasing one bus. He now employs 131 people in four divisions. Telstra business group managing director Will Irving said judges were impressed by Adams Group's innovative approach and use of technology across the operation. "The business has enjoyed rapid growth with a clear focus on diversity of earnings and multiple future growth opportunities," he said. Muway Constructions, a business based in Fitzroy Crossing, also took home to awards claiming the regional and small business award on the night. Muway Construction boss Joe Ross, a member of the Bunuba Aboriginal people of Fitzroy Crossing and retired electrician, said more aboriginal people and entrepreneurs needed to be honoured. Mr Ross and his business partner Karl Plunkett created the business in 2010 that prides itself on employing aboriginal people to work on remote construction projects. Judges said Muway Construction had contributed to the health of remote communities through skills development including plumbing, electrical and carpentry trades, as well as profit sharing. The Micro Business Award went to StepBeyond Business Advisers and the Start-up Award to NPB Security.