February election makes sense

PEAK business organisation the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(TCCI) says holding the State Election in February next year makes strong
economic and political sense.
TCCI Chief Executive Michael Bailey said delaying the poll until March was
pointless and would create economic uncertainty, as well as an unwelcomed
political hiatus.
Mr Bailey said holding the election in February would mean that the new
Government and parliament could get straight down to business in March and
begin the task of rebuilding the Tasmanian economy.
“Holding off the poll until March would mean that parliament would be unlikely to
sit again until April and Tasmania would lose four months of decisive leadership,
something that the State could ill-afford.
“Business calls on Premier Lara Giddings to act in the interests of Tasmania and
set the election date for mid-to late February.
“That would give our politicians more than one month’s break after the rising of the
current parliament and more than a month to campaign.
“There seems little point in the Premier holding off until March, with parliament not
sitting, meaning no legislation will be enacted and politicians will be campaigning
for the next four months, rather than working in the public interest.”
Mr Bailey said the TCCI was meeting with the regional Chambers of Commerce
shortly to reinforce the call for bringing forward the election date.
“Business wants certainty and it also wants strong majority government, and it
wants it sooner rather than later,” he said.
“A recent TCCI survey of showed that 82 per cent of Tasmanian businesses believe
prospects would improve with majority government and that the current Labor –
Green Government had stalled business growth.
“Business holds the view that the Greens have had an influence in government far
in excess of the party’s support in the electorate and this has hindered investment
and economic growth.
“Like many in the community, business wants an end to uncertainty and only an
election can provide this.
“The Premier has the opportunity to do the right thing by Tasmania and by the
State economy, and that means now announcing an election date in the second
half of February,” Mr Bailey said.
Ends….