Tasmania Shadow Minister for Economic Development Will Hodgman

Premier Must Fight For Investment

Victor P Taffa

The Premier should immediately make contact with Google after reports they are considering developing data facilities in areas with high renewable energy use, Shadow Minister for Economic Development Will Hodgman said.

“86 % of the power used in Tasmania comes from renewable hydro energy, which makes Tasmania the perfect location if Google wants to come to Australia.”

“I offer my full support to the Premier to pursue any opportunity for Google to set up in Tasmania.” Mr. Hodgman said.

“The Tasmanian economy is facing considerable challenges, and sadly we are now seen as a place that is closed for business.”

“Recent surveys have even revealed that the majority of Tasmanian businesses think that the unstable Green-Labor Government and its policies are doing them harm.” Mr. Hodgman said.

“If there is indeed an opportunity to attract Google to Tasmania then the Premier must seize it.”

“Unlike the Green-Labor Government, the Liberals priorities are clear – to re-boot the economy, create jobs and to keep the place open for business.” Mr. Hodgman said.

Northern Territory Opposition Leader Terry Mills

WORKING FOR TERRITORY JOBS

Victor P Taffa

Opposition Leader, Terry Mills, will travel to Perth tomorrow morning to meet with representatives from the joint venture company expected to build the INPEX Ichthys LNG plant in Darwin.

Construction giant Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR) is gearing up for the massive project and has already advertised for workers in Saturday’s newspaper.

“I am looking forward to meeting with representatives from the construction giant to push the Territory’s case for local jobs and opportunities.” Mr. Mills said.

“I will get a rundown on the employment needs and business opportunities that will be created during the construction phase.”

“I will also meet key contractors who are keen to hit the ground running.”

“INPEX is expected to make a final investment decision on the plant later this year, so it’s important I meet with the joint venture partners and identify opportunities for Territory businesses and workers.” Mr. Mills said.

“KBR is in the early stages of assessing its fly-in, fly-out workforce, so I will be able to get a clear picture of how the project will work and how the Territory can best capitalise on the construction phase.”

“While in Perth I will also take the opportunity for further meetings with officials from INPEX for an update on the project.” Mr. Mills said.

“The LNG development has the potential to provide a foundation on which to build the Territory’s economy for many years to come.”

“The time to act is now and I’ll be working hard to bring home as many jobs and opportunities as I can for Territory families and business.” Mr. Mills said.

South Australia Shadow Minister for Employment David Pisoni

More jobs doom for South Australia

Victor P Taffa

News that BHP will be moving more than 150 jobs out of Adelaide is another blow to the Rann Government’s economic credentials that comes on top of 1000 jobs that have already been lost in the mining industry since the State election.

Premier Rann has suffered another setback in achieving his 100,000 new jobs target as  BHP joins a long line of businesses downsizing or shutting their doors in South Australia. ABS figures show that 4000 jobs have been lost in manufacturing alone across South Australia since the election.

“Premier Rann promised 100,000 new jobs for South Australians and yet all we see is declining job ads, increased unemployment and more businesses shutting their doors.” Shadow Minister for Employment David Pisoni said.

“The Rann Labor Government has taken their eye off the ball when it comes to the traditional manufacturing industry in favour of an elusive mining boom they have promised for 8.5 years.”

“If South Australia had kept pace with the national jobs growth rate, there would be about 27,000 more jobs in this state.”

“The Rann Labor Government is running South Australia into the ground with poor economic management.” Mr. Pisoni said.