PEAK business organisation the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) says the March 15 election gives Tasmanians the opportunity to elect a majority government and end the political uncertainty.
TCCI Chief Executive Michael Bailey said Tasmanians and particularly many of those in business were overwhelmingly concerned at the Labor Green alliance and the perception that it was the Greens who were calling the shots.
“Premier Lara Giddings has already commenced addressing this by moving to sack the Greens’ Ministers Nick McKim and Cassy O’Connor and announcing the 15 March election date,” Mr Bailey said.
“Whatever the reason for the tactic of ending the alliance with the Greens and the Premier vowing not to again govern with its former minority partners, it does now provide Tasmanians with a clear choice between Labor, Liberal and the Greens.
“Of course, as Tasmanians well know, deals can be done following the election, should no single party secure the required 13 seats for a majority in the House of Assembly. But in the lead up to the poll there is a clear separation and we can expect some healthy and lively debate as the three parties attempt to present their policies and credentials to the Tasmanian people.”
Mr Bailey said the TCCI had made no secret of its support for majority government – that is one party securing 13 or more seats and able to govern without the support of minority interests.
“We still hold this position and believe a strong majority government is required to enhance investment in Tasmania and to promote economic growth.
“Majority government is needed by business and the community, if we are to achieve the growth, employment opportunities and community support and services that all Tasmanians desire.”
Mr Bailey said business had established five key policy issues that needed to be addressed in the election and the TCCI had been working on these for some time.
“As well as majority government, these are making it cheaper and easier to do business in Tasmania, the encouragement of investment and strengthening
incentives for entrepreneurship, creating jobs and tackling rising unemployment and improving road, rail and sea transport for Tasmanian business.
“Despite the best efforts of Premier Lara Giddings to provide stable government, it is the strong view of business that the past four years has seen Tasmania regress, or at best stagnate, and the reality or perhaps perception is that the Greens have discouraged investment and economic growth.”
Mr Bailey said Tasmania could not afford this situation to continue and the coming election would give Tasmanians the opportunity to elect a workable parliamentary majority government.
He said the TCCI also supported the recall of parliament to remove any doubts surrounding permits for the proposed Tamar Valley Pulp Mill.
“We want to understand all the facts about any pulp mill development and this will facilitate that process,” Mr Bailey said.
Ends….