Release Date: 24/08/2016
TCCI calls for calm on jobs
The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry called for calm and positive action on participation rate and employment.
Unlike the headline in today’s Mercury, the TCCI does not believe there needs to be another jobs forum.
"We are in a very different world to when the TCCI ran the successful Jobs Forum in 2013," said TCCI CEO Michael Bailey.
"In 2013 the State was in crisis having been hit hard by the GFC, forestry downturn and falling GST revenues. We are in a different world now with our economic indicators on the rise," said Mr Bailey.
The Jobs Forum, which included representatives from 44 associations and groups developed a list of 13 issues, of which most have been addressed. These included planning reform, red tape reduction, simplifying the way for developers, ensuring that government contracts are of a size that enable Tasmanian businesses to tender, and addressing international freight issues.
"No doubt our participation rate needs to be addressed, and addressed by us all. This is not simply a responsibility of Government alone," said Mr Bailey.
"The last thing that we need now is a political storm that damages our confidence as a state," said Mr Bailey.
The TCCI has continued to call for the fast tacking of the "Northern Cities Project" which was accepted by both the Federal Government and Opposition as being a critical investment for Tasmania.
"Our participation problems are in the North and we simply must get this project moving quickly," said Mr Bailey.
"But in the mean time we must focus on solutions. TCCI is already in discussions with government to find ways that we can maximise opportunities for us all," said Mr Bailey.
Contact: TCCI Chief Executive Michael Bailey – 0437 322 338