Recently the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry acknowledged the federal government’s pre-election budget. Whilst the investment in infrastructure, cost of living, and tax relief is welcome, the budget ultimately signals a future of debt and deficit and falls short in delivering targeted support for small businesses.
The budget aims to ‘shape a more affordable Australia’ but what does that look like, what are the knock-on effects for our region’s economy?
The Whitsunday business community looks forward to raising these questions, and more, at our Meet the Federal Election Candidates event, scheduled for 6pm Tuesday 15 April (for non-Chamber members, Mackay and Whitsunday Life will live stream aspects of the event via their Facebook page).
We have asked the Whitsunday business community to share their number one priority for this year’s federal election. The major issues include:
- Improve Whitsunday road infrastructure and the Bruce Highway.
- Business insurance accessibility and affordability for North Queensland.
- Continuing the flow of visitors to the region during flooding events and wet season.
- How to ensure a vibrant rural sector so region’s businesses are also vibrant.
- Government spending and waste.
- More financial support for events and festivals that economically contribute to the region.
- Freedom of speech.
- Support for regional not-for-profits, such as the Proserpine Agriculture and Industry Association who utilise the Proserpine Showgrounds for annual shows.
Specifically, the Chamber is keen to hear from all the candidates what their economic vision for the Whitsundays entails, and the community initiatives they will support, and if they are willing and able to advocate local issues contrary to their party’s policy position.
We look forward to sharing highlights from our event to help everyone make their vote count!
by Chamber President, Allan Milostic
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