Ms SCRYMGOUR - 2012-05-03
Can you please update the House how Budget 2012-13 will support Territory businesses to gear up for growth as we move towards the most significant economic growth phase in the Territory’s history?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the question from the member for Arafura. There is no doubt we are continuing our very strong infrastructure spend to support business to gear up for that growth. There is a commitment of $1.3bn to keep our economy and our construction sector primed to take advantage of the major projects as they start to ramp up.
$1.3bn supports 2600 jobs across the critical construction sector, helping to keep our skilled workers here for the significant growth phase ahead. We, proudly, have the lowest-taxing regime in the nation. We are the lowest-taxing jurisdiction for small- and medium-sized businesses in the nation. Budget 2012-13 keeps us there with no new taxes, and we are supporting our businesses to grow and help create jobs.
Our Jobs Plan is building on our own skilled workforce, with Budget 2012-13 delivering $100m for training and apprentices. There have been more than 25 000 Territorians commence training since 2005. This investment includes $900 000 to help young Territorians transition from school into jobs; $1.4m in employer incentives to take on apprentices in those all-important skilled shortage trades occupations, which include construction, civil, welding and mechanical; and $1.3m for the very popular Workwear/Workgear Bonus scheme to help apprentices and trainees with their start-up costs.
We are supporting Territory businesses to gear up for growth with $17m for business upskill programs, October Business Month, and ecoBiz NT. The business community has certainly welcomed our budget. Chris Young, from the Chamber of Commerce, supported the infrastructure investment, stating:
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the question from the member for Arafura. There is no doubt we are continuing our very strong infrastructure spend to support business to gear up for that growth. There is a commitment of $1.3bn to keep our economy and our construction sector primed to take advantage of the major projects as they start to ramp up.
$1.3bn supports 2600 jobs across the critical construction sector, helping to keep our skilled workers here for the significant growth phase ahead. We, proudly, have the lowest-taxing regime in the nation. We are the lowest-taxing jurisdiction for small- and medium-sized businesses in the nation. Budget 2012-13 keeps us there with no new taxes, and we are supporting our businesses to grow and help create jobs.
Our Jobs Plan is building on our own skilled workforce, with Budget 2012-13 delivering $100m for training and apprentices. There have been more than 25 000 Territorians commence training since 2005. This investment includes $900 000 to help young Territorians transition from school into jobs; $1.4m in employer incentives to take on apprentices in those all-important skilled shortage trades occupations, which include construction, civil, welding and mechanical; and $1.3m for the very popular Workwear/Workgear Bonus scheme to help apprentices and trainees with their start-up costs.
We are supporting Territory businesses to gear up for growth with $17m for business upskill programs, October Business Month, and ecoBiz NT. The business community has certainly welcomed our budget. Chris Young, from the Chamber of Commerce, supported the infrastructure investment, stating:
- We are glad to see they are continuing to spend rather than just pulling it all back.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016