Peter Gutwein,Treasurer
Tasmania is going from strength to strength with the TCCI Tasmania Report confirming today that in 2018-19 all industry sectors grew for the first time ever, demonstrating our economic success is broad-based, resilient and creating jobs right around the State.
In a strong endorsement for the Hodgman majority Liberal Government’s long-term plan, the 2019 TCCI Tasmania Report highlights that Tasmania’s gross state product grew at the highest rate in the nation at 3.6% during the 2018-19 financial year, which is almost double the national average of 1.9%. Our best result in 15 years.
There are now 252,000 jobs in Tasmania – a new record high.
The Tasmania Report confirmed that this is “a fair turnaround from just five years ago and reflects an ongoing transformation . . . towards an economy where our strengths – clean food, pristine wilderness and a vibrant higher education sector – are in demand internationally”.
The Tasmanian Government Plan has centered on growing our economy, creating and maintaining business confidence and jobs. This is now underpinned by record investments in the inter-generational infrastructure our State needs today and into the future.
That’s why we end 2019 with the fastest growing economy in the country – for the first time in history – with nearly 16,000 more jobs created since we were first elected in 2014.
This hasn’t happened by accident, we have backed our small and medium businesses with policies to remove barriers, cut red tape, reduce payroll tax, attract investment and assist with market access. And Tasmania’s small businesses say Government policies support them – in fact, more than any other state or territory.*
The Tasmania Report shows a state heading in the right direction: our educational outcomes are lifting; tourists are beating a path to our door; population growth is strong; a good run in the economy has lifted our incomes; and we’re giving up smoking in increasing numbers.
But there’s more to do. That’s why we’re committed to our record $3.6 billion vital infrastructure investment across Tasmania, which over the next four-years will create another 10,000 Tasmanian jobs.
Importantly, our long-term Plan is to ensure we have the right infrastructure, skills and investment in our regions so more Tasmanians benefit from our nation leading economy.
*Sensis Business Index
