Release Date: 8/02/2012
Statement by Robert Wallace – TCCI Chief Executive Officer
Tasmania’s peak business body, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) has welcomed the Liberals’ Future Directions as a constructive addition to the economic debate.
TCCI Chief Executive Robert Wallace said the Opposition was differentiating its economy policy by providing clearer support for natural resource sectors than the Government is.
“We have called on the Government to be stronger in defending industries such as mining, forestry and tourism from attack by powerful extreme green movements. We are pleased that the Opposition has listened to this plea,” Mr Wallace said.
“We wholeheartedly support the aspiration to become more self-reliant.
“However, we want to see more bi-partisan support for responsible budget management.
The TCCI’s Chief Economist Mark Bowles said that ensuring the value of Tasmania’s natural resources could be unlocked responsibly was critical.
“Education is also, rightly, a core focus of government.”
“However, governments present and future need to beware of tunnel vision for favourite industries of the day, because market-driven opportunities can be missed and productivity reduced.
“There are over 38,000 businesses in Tasmania that can all generate wealth and have flow-on benefits for other industries. They need equal support from government,” Mr Bowles said.
The TCCI’s position on sector development is detailed in its Economic Development Plan Submission, available here:
http://www.tcci.com.au/tcci/index.php?c=166
For more information contact:
Robert Wallace – 0457 363 600
Mark Bowles – 0418 967 377