Listen and learn

LET me tell you something you already know – things are bad for business in the Northern Territory.

We’ve seen the closure of: Betts Shoes, Factorie, the Darwin Cinema, Options Wine Merchants and iconic 50-yearold Darwin business Mobile Electrics went into liquidation. Word is, there is more to come.

Even the NT Treasurer admitted in June that the Territory is experiencing “economic pain” and forecast “a rough ride” for the next two years.

And the latest Sensis Business Index for the September 2018 quarter revealed the main criticisms for the NT Government by small and medium businesses (SMB) was Labor is “not understanding small business and high taxation”.

The same report shows business confidence dropped 21 points and NT SMBs have the least confident outlook in the nation. To make matters worse, the Government’s own mid-year financial report shows government debt is spiralling out of control. Maybe they should stop spending frivolously like $40,000 to brand a sub-orbital rocket.

Yet despite all the evidence, despite the heartbreaking stories, despite industry telling them what is needed the Labor Government still doesn’t understand – they just don’t “get” business.

Mining, Property Development, Small Business – three core economy builders which are under siege by this government. The NT’s world-class mineral resources is locked by bureaucracy and a government captive by Left wing interests.

There are 17 mineral resources projects worth $6 billion and 4000 jobs are up in the air. And this inept Labor Government has introduced a world first, world worst hybrid mining tax.

Local property owners have urged Labor to scrap its property tax for Darwin, presenting polling data which shows the tax will only result in punishing investors who are already finding it tough.

The Chief Minister has dismissed their concerns and de- manded investors “get on board”. How about creating policy incentives and a business environment which encourages further investment instead? What about working with business instead of against them?

Lia and I are listening. We’re listening when business tells us it’s time to look at how payroll tax is implemented, how there must be less government interference with business, how in some areas the playing field must be level for all businesses – from micro to big.

We’ve heard the pleas for action to tackle increasing commercial property damage and break-ins.

Crime statistics show an increase of 12.7 per cent year-on- year for commercial break-ins across the Northern Territory.

Labor’s Biz Secure program is clearly lacking, only 20 per cent of the funding has been accessed, and they’re now offering it up as Alcohol Secure. Maybe it’s time Labor listened when business tells them to start punishing the offenders instead of wringing their hands.

Maybe it’s time Labor heard the pleas of corner stores and properly consulted with them over alcohol reforms. By bungling the liquor reform, the government is creating more uncertainty for hard-working Mum-and-Dad businesses.

And maybe it’s time they heard the deep concerns of local businesses who weren’t consulted about government’s plan to build its new youth justice facility and rehabilitation precinct in the heart of Pinelands. Ask yourself – do you feel wealthier now than 2½ years ago when this Labor Government came to power?

We know that State Final Demand is the best measure of the local economy. From Budget 18/19, SFD is set to contract 8% in 18/19 and 4.4% in 19/20.

The real economy in the Territory is in deep recession. But it’s going to take more than building an underground carpark and shade structures to pull us out of the economic doldrums and for business to get back its mojo.

The CLP believes businesses create wealth not government and that business should be able to get on with business.

Business people tell us every day that since coming to government in 2016, Labor has failed and remains out of touch with reality. They spent $800,000 on a plan for a Myilly Point museum then scrapped the idea; developed a MyFuel website which made petrol prices rise; spent $60,000 to advertise a decision about a National Indigenous Art Gallery in Alice Springs and called it consultation; and the list goes on.

A future CLP Government will keep taxes down to lift the economy up. We will invest in wealth-creating projects and work with the Commonwealth to implement more regional growth policies like the Designated Area Migration Agreement. We will give business and industry the space they need to grow while supporting their aspirations through targeted policies and investment.

It’s not too late for Labor to turn things around.

For Darwin, the Cities Deal is a start. For the regions – why not try to strike up something similar? Start building the much-needed confidence.

Get rid of the regulatory impediments. Start investing wisely and, most importantly, start listening.

Gary Higgins is the CLP leader of the Opposition

“Do you feel wealthier now than 2½ years ago“