Tasmania Benefits from Stable Government

Response to State Election Result

Making minority government work is the first order of business post-election.

The campaign was mostly focused on what should change, with much less about the ideas to address the state’s finances.

Attracting new businesses and enabling existing businesses to grow is one of the budget repair measures this state needs.

Growing the economic pie can take pressure of government funded services as capacity to pay for Tasmania’s change.

The campaign heard statements from some of the need to increase taxes on existing businesses as their solution for budget repair. This is flawed economics. It is a very short conversation if you were to ask those same people how that approach will attract new businesses and grow existing businesses.

In the world of private enterprise and market forces increased taxes are not able to be passed on in the price. Hence, the business is forced to do away with jobs or divert funds way from essential reinvestment needed to sustain a business. Increasing taxes is a trojan horse for shutting down businesses. This reduces Tasmania’s revenue even further. Where does the money come then – more Commonwealth handouts?

The Tasmanian people have voted in a minority government. This means the public are calling for a government which is inclusive of broader ideas.

Majority governments entitle electoral mandates to be claimed. Minority governments do not have mandates but rightfully should take direction and intent from their election commitments. Hence it is incumbent on both the major party and independents to respect what the party with the most votes made as a commitment to the voting public. If you share power, you share the direction. But the major party in government needs to accept the nuances an independent brings, not as a token but somewhat of an equal.

Ray Mostogl, CEO of the Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council (TMEC) said, “Industry needs stability to be sustained and to grow. This is even more important in the volatile global marketplace. Having confidence in the direction and intent being implemented is critical to business confidence. Business confidence unlocks investment.

Investment attracts jobs and delivers higher revenue for the state. It is as simple as that”.

Quoting Dean Winter’s election evening speech, “We have to make this work”.

Media Contact: Ray Mostogl, CEO TMEC, 0409 124 710

Smarter

Decarbonisation is a complicated but essential transition in a fight that affects everyone in any part of the world…climate change. For Tasmania this affects the economy, people, and our global opportunity. Tasmania has been a leader and we should be helping the rest of the world decarbonise.

Cleaner

Renewable energy is a critical part of the fight against climate change. Tasmania delivers these projects to the highest of standards and we’re currently one of few Net Zero jurisdictions in the world which means any product or energy created in Tasmania will start its life cleaner than anything made in most other parts of the world. We should be proud of that advantage.

Diverse

Great minds and diverse perspectives serve as a chance for more Tasmanians to be part of collective solutions and meaninful action. When we appreciate diverse views and look for common ground, we can ensure Tasmania stops falling behind. We must collaborate and work together.