The week that was, and the week that will be . . . such are the musings of your CEO, in this Budget Week.
Our advocacy on your behalf continues in full force. With a State Budget being handed down today and a Federal Election in our future, your Chamber will be very active.
Key topics:
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Tasmanian State Budget. The Treasurer, the Hon Michael Ferguson MP, will hand down the State Budget at 3pm today. We will review the budget closely and advocate on your behalf to Government and in the media. Key measures are likely to be cost of living relief, housing, and infrastructure spend. Businesses need step change, big projects to drive economic activity; we need all three levels of Government and business working together. We do not expect the Budget to sufficiently address this.
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Small Business Opportunities and Challenges. Chamber Board members sat down with Deputy Premier the Hon Michael Ferguson, MP, Minister for Small Business to discuss the economy, and conditions for small businesses. The focus was on regional collaboration and the opportunity for economic development priorities to be a core focus for the Chamber and businesses in the north. Red tape and enabling business to generate business and grow your clients/ customers were core topics, as was the additional pressure of the new Fair Work regulations. The Chamber advocates for a minimum 1000 pax conference facility in Launceston, and is pushing the Government to release funding for a feasibility study.
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Stadiums, Football and Opportunities. Your Chamber Board and Platinum members heard from the Tasmania Football Club, Stadiums Tasmania and Macquarie Point at a breakfast round-table earlier this week. The opportunities for business during construction and after were discussed. Business is seeking further information and conversations, particularly around economic activity and visitors which the stadiums will deliver to our region. Link to the Examiner article.
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Fiscal Measures. The RBA is hosting an invitation only roundtable lunch next week for an economic briefing and discussion with Chamber Platinum members about what we are seeing in Launceston and the region.