Media Release

Peter Gutwein MP
Shadow Treasurer

Friday 29th January 2010

Business survey shows Labor out of touch

Today’s TCCI survey of business expectations reveals that Labor is on the nose with the business community.

The survey asked a series of questions about business priorities for the upcoming election. The results give a clear indication that Labor just is not listening to the community and is increasingly out of touch.

The number one priority was responsible economic and budget management, a clear sign that Labor’s massive spending splurge in an attempt to buy votes is not working and that the business community is a wake up to Labor’s politically motivated spendathon.

The second priority, stable government, underlines the obvious concern that many businesses have with the Labor Government and especially the scandals and resignations that have plagued this current Government resulting in Ministerial changes such as having seven Infrastructure Ministers during the last decade.

The third highest priority was tax competitiveness. While Labor continues to claim its promise of only increasing Land Tax by 200% over the next two years for some businesses is a great deal, the Tasmanian Liberals are committed to capping, cutting and abolishing Land Tax as well as making the rebate this year fairer and simpler.

Furthermore, our Land Tax cuts will pump millions back into the Tasmanian economy, a point supported by the TCCI.

The TCCI identifies infrastructure as the fourth most important issue. The Tasmanian Liberals are committed to rejuvenating Tasmania’s infrastructure. For example, we’ve announced funding for Infrastructure Tasmania, that will handle infrastructure strategic planning, as opposed to Labor who don’t even have an infrastructure plan. We’ve announced $20 million to build better regional roads and of course, we are the only party committed to fixing the Midland Highway. First, we will fill in the potholes and make it safe again after 12 years of Labor mismanagement, then we will upgrade the highway to four lane, dual carriageway all the way between Launceston and Hobart.

The business community knows they have a choice this election – four more years of the same shoddy Government, or real change under a Hodgman Liberal Government.