Media Release

Will Hodgman MP
Leader of the State Opposition
Peter Gutwein MP
Shadow Treasurer

Thursday 22nd July 2010

The Liberals Connect with Industry as Labor Sits on its Hands

The Tasmanian Liberals announced today that we are holding a series of meetings with the State's large industrial businesses, as well as representatives of various industry sectors in the coming months, in order to understand the challenges that large employers face.

The Labor-Green Government does not have an industry plan and has failed to proactively engage with medium and large industry across the State, like factories, smelters, processing plants and mining companies.

Over the last 12 years there has been a failure to develop a strategy for industry that provides a competitive environment, reduces the cost of doing business and ensures that Tasmania's policy settings are conducive to attracting development to the State.

We plan to meet with Tasmania's largest employers, major energy users and industry sector representatives who employ or represent thousands of people.

Tasmania cannot afford to lose any more jobs, and a plan of action and a clear strategy is needed so that opportunities can be grasped and the loss of jobs can be reversed. The Opposition Leader Will Hodgman said the State Budget itself forecast a contraction in capital expenditure in coming years.

"This will mean fewer job opportunities, and we have seen two major business surveys recently highlight a decline in business confidence in Tasmania," said Mr Hodgman. "This demands a greater response from a Government that currently has no plan, and no ideas."

"We will connect with industry, understand their needs, and provide the Labor-Green Government with policy options to not only keep major industry operating in Tasmania, but to attract new investment here"

The Shadow Treasurer Peter Gutwein said the lack of a jobs plan, an industry plan or an economic development plan in this year's budget is very concerning.

"In a rapidly changing world we must be proactive and ensure that Government policy settings are conducive to growing existing industry sectors and identifying new opportunities," Mr Gutwein said.

"The Liberals are meeting with significant Tasmanian industries to understand the challenges they face, as well as where the opportunities are for growth, and how Government policy settings can best support the achievement of these opportunities and strengthen our economy."

"We believe in being proactive and rather than rushing in and trying to save jobs when trouble occurs as the current Governments policy appears to be. We want to work with all industries to ensure that opportunities are grasped, and jobs and investment are created."