Queensland leads nation for business confidence

Treasurer Curtis Pitt says the results of the NAB monthly business survey released today are more good economic news and show Queensland leading the nation in business confidence in December. 

“According to the latest NAB survey business confidence in Queensland rose two points to plus-9 points in December – higher than all other States,” Mr Pitt said. 

“At the same time, business confidence in New South Wales fell by three points to reach +5, while in Victoria confidence rose by two points to +5.” 

Mr Pitt said the NAB survey was another positive sign that businesses across the State had confidence in the Queensland economy and the new opportunities to benefit from our improving economic growth. 

“The NAB survey is more independent evidence that our economic plan is working — confidence is up, growth is up, debt is down, and our unemployment rate is down. 

“The consistent trend recorded under this survey shows that business owners have the confidence to hire new staff and invest to grow their business. 

“The Palaszczuk Government has shown it is focused on boosting the state’s business sector and regional and state economies to encourage growth and create jobs. 

“The NAB survey and others show how we have turned confidence around after it slumped under the policies and actions of the LNP with Tim Nicholls as Treasurer in the Campbell Newman government. 

“Queensland has led the trend business confidence stakes or been placed equal-first in the NAB survey for 10 of the past 24 months. In seven of those months, Queensland was the highest by itself.” 

Mr Pitt said the NAB survey and other independent analysis as well as hard data from the ABS disproved the consistently negative criticisms by the LNP under Tim Nicholls. 

“Tim Nicholls and the LNP have had almost two years in opposition to develop an economic plan but have failed to lift a finger,” he said. 

“Their laziness, coupled with the $8 billion budget black hole they have created for themselves by opposing government revenue measures, add up to a do-nothing opposition that is so lazy it will simply fall back on the LNP favourites — job cuts, frontline service cuts, and asset sales. 

“Unlike the slash-and-burn policies Tim Nicholls implemented as Campbell Newman’s Treasurer, our economic plan is working with business to grow the state economy and create jobs — without asset sales,” Mr Pitt said. 

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