Mr ELFERINK - 2001-11-29
Madam Speaker, my question is based on the answer that she gave to the Leader of the Opposition. To my astonishment, I sat here and listened to the Chief Minister blame Ansett Australia and Osama bin Laden for her government’s rating in the Yellow Pages Business Index. That index has been at its lowest level for the last 12 months - it is now at 29%. 29% of Territory businesses have no faith in the Northern Territory government. What message does the Chief Minister really gain from that?
Mr Ah Kit: That they have less faith in you blokes.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, the Chief Minister has the floor!
ANSWER
I could say, refer to the previous answer because the question is no different. I said it is disappointing for this new government that confidence in the government has dropped some. But, as I say again, this survey was taken before some of the major initiatives from this new government were in place. We are working very closely with business to win their confidence, and it is something we are committed to. We saw what kind of confidence the previous administration demonstrated for the business community in terms of how business felt about you. Did you actually go and talk to them about the fact that the 1999-2000 year had no growth - no growth at all? The only jurisdiction in Australia that just did not grow. Have you talked to businesses about the fabrication you did with budget papers?
In construction last December, we saw 10 homes approved to be built in Darwin - 10 homes. We had old Nero over there, fiddling while the Territory was struggling, and not a recognition of that - not a recognition of that. This new government recognises the figures are not as good as we like. We are working closely with business, we have had our summit, we have put money into construction, we have initiated QuickStart II. There are projects on the go, there are opportunities for business. We have delivered for Territorians this week a fair and responsible budget that tackles the dramatic debt that was dishonestly left for Territorians - absolutely dishonestly left for Territorians by the previous administration. We are demonstrating very clearly our credentials to business. We will work hard with Territory business - and that is business right around the Territory. Here, Alice Springs, wherever business is, we will work with them so that, together, we can build this better Territory.
Mr Ah Kit: That they have less faith in you blokes.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, the Chief Minister has the floor!
ANSWER
I could say, refer to the previous answer because the question is no different. I said it is disappointing for this new government that confidence in the government has dropped some. But, as I say again, this survey was taken before some of the major initiatives from this new government were in place. We are working very closely with business to win their confidence, and it is something we are committed to. We saw what kind of confidence the previous administration demonstrated for the business community in terms of how business felt about you. Did you actually go and talk to them about the fact that the 1999-2000 year had no growth - no growth at all? The only jurisdiction in Australia that just did not grow. Have you talked to businesses about the fabrication you did with budget papers?
In construction last December, we saw 10 homes approved to be built in Darwin - 10 homes. We had old Nero over there, fiddling while the Territory was struggling, and not a recognition of that - not a recognition of that. This new government recognises the figures are not as good as we like. We are working closely with business, we have had our summit, we have put money into construction, we have initiated QuickStart II. There are projects on the go, there are opportunities for business. We have delivered for Territorians this week a fair and responsible budget that tackles the dramatic debt that was dishonestly left for Territorians - absolutely dishonestly left for Territorians by the previous administration. We are demonstrating very clearly our credentials to business. We will work hard with Territory business - and that is business right around the Territory. Here, Alice Springs, wherever business is, we will work with them so that, together, we can build this better Territory.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016