The latest National Australia Bank Quarterly Business Survey shows Tasmania leading the country on business confidence.
Tasmania recorded the highest levels of business confidence on four out of five measures for the December quarter, with a 53 per cent trading index almost twice that of the next best state, Victoria at 29 per cent.
Profitability and cash flow outlooks were also stronger than for all other states.
Importantly, the NAB survey also showed local businesses reported faring well in the September quarter, leading all states on cash flow and employment, and sharing first place with Western Australia on trading.
Tasmanian businesses have clearly been buoyed by the fact that we have in this State a majority Liberal Government that is getting on with the job of implementing its long-term plan to grow the economy and create jobs.
The survey follows the release on Monday of the CommSec State of the States report, which highlighted "encouraging" signs of recovery in Tasmania.
Today's result is equally encouraging, but we remain in no doubt about the task that is before us, particularly in terms of turning confidence into growth.
Our plan includes payroll tax rebates and incentives for small businesses to create new jobs, and fixing the planning system and opening up national parks for sensible tourism investment to drive development.
There is much to do, but we are getting on with the job of making Tasmania the place to live, work and invest.