Ms FINOCCHIARO - 2014-05-15
What was the business community’s response to this week’s Northern Territory budget?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member of Drysdale for the question.
I am overwhelmed by the response from the community to the budget; it has been overwhelming. It has met with widespread support in every nook and cranny I have been into in the last few days, a range of business breakfasts, budget lunches and the like.
The Chamber of Commerce says the business community has backed the budget. CEO Greg Bicknell said, ‘I think people are pretty happy with what the Treasurer has come up with this year. The business community has accepted that the Territory government has taken the right steps in addressing the debt down the road, they are really working hard to address that. It was hardening to see that there has not been any major cut backs.’
Dianne Davis from the Real Estate Institute of the Northern Territory, REINT, said about the Giles government’s NT budget, ‘I think it is good for Darwin because we all know there has been a restriction in land release over the last four years and I think what this government is doing is excellent for us all and our industry.’
Master Builders Association, ‘Treasurer, Dave Tollner, this morning handed down his second Territory budget. From an MBA perspective, the key responsibilities of the Treasurer and his budget are to maintain confidence in the economy so people can continue to invest, to cater for growth so government is not a handbrake on development and to ensure sustainability in the budget settings over the long term. On these tests, the Treasurer has delivered a budget that is both responsible and defendable.’
The Minister for Mines and Energy might be interested in this one. APPEA, the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, issued a media release, saying – I will not quote the whole thing. I am happy to table it:
The PRBA gave it the tick of approval this morning, as did the property council. Like I say, it has been a good budget. It secures our children’s future and puts us on the right path for growth.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister your time has expired.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member of Drysdale for the question.
I am overwhelmed by the response from the community to the budget; it has been overwhelming. It has met with widespread support in every nook and cranny I have been into in the last few days, a range of business breakfasts, budget lunches and the like.
The Chamber of Commerce says the business community has backed the budget. CEO Greg Bicknell said, ‘I think people are pretty happy with what the Treasurer has come up with this year. The business community has accepted that the Territory government has taken the right steps in addressing the debt down the road, they are really working hard to address that. It was hardening to see that there has not been any major cut backs.’
Dianne Davis from the Real Estate Institute of the Northern Territory, REINT, said about the Giles government’s NT budget, ‘I think it is good for Darwin because we all know there has been a restriction in land release over the last four years and I think what this government is doing is excellent for us all and our industry.’
Master Builders Association, ‘Treasurer, Dave Tollner, this morning handed down his second Territory budget. From an MBA perspective, the key responsibilities of the Treasurer and his budget are to maintain confidence in the economy so people can continue to invest, to cater for growth so government is not a handbrake on development and to ensure sustainability in the budget settings over the long term. On these tests, the Treasurer has delivered a budget that is both responsible and defendable.’
The Minister for Mines and Energy might be interested in this one. APPEA, the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, issued a media release, saying – I will not quote the whole thing. I am happy to table it:
- The Northern Territory budget handed down today recognises the growing importance of natural gas to the NT economy.
- Shale gas has the potential to be a significant new driver of economic activity in the Territory, and the Giles government is to be congratulated for encouraging the industry’s development.
- Well done on the most sound budget.
The PRBA gave it the tick of approval this morning, as did the property council. Like I say, it has been a good budget. It secures our children’s future and puts us on the right path for growth.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister your time has expired.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016