** Embargoed to 10.30pm Sunday 10 October 2021 **
The Deloitte Access Economics Business Outlook Report for September 2021 confirms that our plan to secure Tasmania’s future is working and our economy is performing well while we continue to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Report highlights the confidence our businesses have to spend, invest and hire stating “with COVID harder to find than a tagged Tasmanian brown trout, businesses are currently the most confident in the country.”
There’s recognition that our retail sector continues to go from strength to strength as locals spend big across the board, particularly when it comes to home improvements and vehicles.
We know Tasmanian exports are booming having exceeded $4 billion for the first time in August 2021 and the Report acknowledges Tasmanian minerals being a hot commodity with soaring mineral export earnings.
On employment, the Report acknowledges Tasmania’s labour market to be the “biggest it’s ever been” and that forward-looking indicators still show promise with job advertisements remaining well above pre-COVID levels.
The report also makes reference to the recent State Budget which it says “shows the benefits of this faster-than-expected recovery. Net debt is now expected to be close to $1 billion lower than previously expected. And that comes despite an extra boost to health care – particularly community-based and preventative services.”
The report states “Overall, a lot continues to go right for Tasmania, thanks to strong COVID control and effective government support when it matters most.”
As we continue to manage our way through the COVID-19 pandemic, we know there is more work to do and we cannot be complacent. That’s why we will continue to deliver our Plan to secure Tasmania’s future with our key focus on the health and safety of Tasmanians, while keeping our economy strong and creating jobs, right around the State.