Release Date: 11/09/2013
PEAK business body the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI)
said the Deloitte Access Economic report that again lists the Tasmanian economy
as the weakest in the nation provided yet another reminder of the task confronting
the State.
TCCI Chief Executive Michael Bailey said measures like the retail sector shrinking
faster than anywhere else in the country and fewer people now employed than five
years ago simply reinforced the need for urgent action on the 13 points flowing
from the recent TCCI facilitated Jobs Forum.
“Given the data available, we should need no reinforcing or reminders. The time
for action is now,” Mr Bailey said.
“While the State Government has already responded to some of the 13
recommendations, time is of the essence.
“We now need urgent planning reform, action to reduce the cost of doing business
in Tasmania, support for market-driven job creation, immediate action on reducing
red and green tape, and we must get penalty rates right so that they encourage,
not discourage business and employment.
“Pressure must also be put on the incoming Federal Government to immediately
implement its election promises designed to boost the Tasmanian economy.”
Mr Bailey said there was no point making excuses or quoting one or two statistics
that may be showing glimmers of upward movement.
“Unfortunately, the overall picture puts us at the bottom of the nation in economic
terms and a concerted effort must be made to at least get our economy back to
level-pegging with the rest of the nation.
“The 13 points flowing from the Jobs Forum provides the basis of a strategy for
immediate action and they must be implemented now,” he said.
Ends….