Two new surveys out in recent weeks show business confidence has plummeted under Peter Gutwein’s government.
The NAB Monthly Business Survey* shows Tasmania is the only state where business confidence is negative. Worryingly, it has been negative now for three consecutive months.
The Roy Morgan Business Survey** shows Tasmania has the lowest business confidence in the country, down 17.2 per cent since this time last year – the biggest fall in the nation.
The bungled reopening of borders, inadequate support through the COVID business package and uncertainty about the Government’s approach to COVID management in coming months have all undoubtedly impacted on business confidence.
Quotes attributable to Rebecca White, Labor Leader:
“The latest business confidence data is damning evidence of the Gutwein Government’s failure to support business.
“The Gutwein Government simply aren’t delivering for Tasmania’s businesses and their workers.
“The government bungled its COVID business package despite having months to prepare the state for the border reopening. Other states which opened at the same time have fared better with their business confidence results.”
“Now, with COVID numbers again on the rise and winter approaching, Peter Gutwein and his government need to listen to business and provide clarity around their plans for the coming months.”
Quotes attributable to Janie Finlay, Shadow Minister for Small Business
“The business community would feel more confident about the future if they knew support would be easily accessible when they need it. Instead, many businesses feel abandoned by the Gutwein government.”
“If we don’t support local businesses and jobs now, they might not be here in a few months.”
“Businesses want this Government to get out of their bubble and be honest about what the future holds.”
“Clearly Peter Gutwein has lost touch with the Tasmanian business community, leaving many businesses to second guess their future.”
* https://business.nab.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/NAB-Monthly-Business-Survey-February-2022.pdf
** https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/8923-roy-morgan-business-confidence-february-2022-202203150255
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
Janie Finlay MP
Shadow Minister for Small Business
