Media release – Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 1 December 2024
Tasmanian business community welcomes GBE reform
The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is today releasing the results of its latest Tasmanian Survey of Business Expectations.
TCCI CEO, Michael Bailey, said the survey shows businesses welcome the Government’s decision to reform Government Business Enterprises and State-owned Companies in the wake of the TT-Line fiasco.
“While there are a lot of challenges facing business right now, what we are seeing is that when Government is prepared to lead the way, businesses will respond positively,” Mr Bailey said.
“GBE reform is a great example of that and the Government now has a fantastic opportunity to reset and make sure our GBEs are delivering for the community and the business community in particular, with over two thirds of businesses supporting GBE reform and only five per cent opposed.
“Businesses will clearly back in sensible reform that ensures GBEs are focused on creating the right economic conditions in Tasmania and that’s what we expect the Government to deliver.”
The survey also asked businesses what they thought of the recent state budget, if they thought debt and deficit levels were too high and what the Government’s budget priorities should be.
“Over two-thirds of businesses are worried about debt and deficit levels, with nearly a quarter saying that the public sector should be more productive so that savings can be invested into reducing debt, building infrastructure or supporting essential frontline services. The Government has some work to do with only one in five businesses happy with the last budget.”
The survey also measured the impact of the delay to the delivery of the two new Spirit of Tasmania vessels, with most businesses reporting no impact (53 per cent) a third of businesses reporting some impact and nine per cent of businesses reporting a significant impact.
“Clearly the Government will need to remain engaged with the businesses impacted and make sure the right supports are in place. While the circumstances aren’t ideal, the Government needs to step up and play its part. So far, we have welcomed the support they have offered.”
Overall, 19 per cent of businesses expect the Tasmanian economy to improve over the next 12 months (up from 16 per cent in the previous quarter), while 55 per cent of businesses surveyed believe the economy will deteriorate over the next 12 months.
