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We need to create an environment for growth in business,
innovation, and enterprise.
Businesses and individuals - not government - are the
true creators of wealth and employment. The
encouragement and facilitation of economic activity and
business enterprise facilitates the highest possible
standards of living, health, education and social
justice.
Our businesses, which drive our economy, have enjoyed
some prosperity in recent years - predominately on the
back of a booming national economy, generated by
substantive national reform and sound fiscal policy.
But what has the Lennon Government done to generate
this?
And
what can they point to, to show that they have a reform
agenda in place to ensure it is sustained? They have
milked an increased confidence and a period of
prosperity for some reflective glory, but have done
little to make sure it is sustained.
Tasmania should lead the way in terms of innovation,
research and development - which will in turn increase
productivity, employment and economic activity in our
State. A key objective of the Tasmanian Liberals is to
see Tasmania become truly an 'Intelligent Island', and
the best place to do business in.
We
have a precious and inimitable lifestyle, which does not
exist anywhere else in the world. We need to balance
development with our underlying concern for the
environment, our natural heritage, and our unique way of
life.
Despite Paul Lennon's simplistic mantra that "we have
never had it better", in many parts of Tasmania, most
notably our outlying regions, people are still doing it
very tough. In my electorate of Franklin, one township
suffers an unemployment rate that doubles the State
average. In parts of the North West our tourism
operators are experiencing very tough times. And in many
communities, like on the gorgeous East Coast and in the
north east of the State, people can not even access
clean drinking water. This is totally unacceptable, and
it shows that the Lennon Government has forgotten our
regional communities.
We
will look actively at a more defined and strategic way
that better capitalizes on the strengths of our regions,
and which generates better growth and development for
the whole State.
I have a real commitment to discard complacency, and set
Tasmania apart and become an even better place to live.
Where we provide the greatest opportunity, and the
highest possible standards of living for all Tasmanians.
Where we encourage and nurture initiative and
resourcefulness. Where we have a government that is
accountable and responsive to all Tasmanians, and which
conducts itself with the highest level of honesty,
integrity and transparency. And where we set out a
long-term strategy for a prosperous Tasmania. |
