Community input on building a robust economy

101/11

The Canberra community and business sector are being invited to have their say on the ACT Government’s role in continuing to build a more robust economy by commenting on the Government’s new Business Development Strategy.

Earlier this year the Chief Minister announced the ACT Labor Government’s priorities for the next 12 months. As part of this announcement, the Government reconfirmed a commitment to develop a separate business and industry strategy.

Today’s release of the Business Development: Invitation to Comment is the next step in this process and will be followed up with an industry round table forum early next year.

The ACT Labor Government recognises the vital role of small business in our economy. We are committed to strong fiscal management and ensuring a business friendly environment through strong policy settings and effective regulation.

Our economic base is in high value added services and research and knowledge industries that also provide us with a highly skilled workforce and highly regarded institutions. These are foundations to build on and leverage and we will continue to do those things that are working well including:

• Focusing on innovation strategy,
• supporting a commercialisation pathway,
• supporting ACT firms to export, and
• continuing to invest in the liveability of Canberra to create an attractive, vibrant and well functioning city that draws talent and new investment.

The Business Development Strategy will provide a link between the Government’s high-level ACT strategic plans and indicators and the delivery of business programs.

The paper released today identifies some key issues for consideration. I invite the community and business sector to have their say on these issues and raise other ideas and views that they see as relevant to the ACT Government’s role in building a robust local economy.

The Paper is available online www.business.act.gov.au/consultation or by calling the Business Hotline on 1800 244 650. Comments are welcome in any form and close on 14 February 2012.

I look forward to hearing from the community about the ways government and industry can work together to achieve the goal of a more diverse Canberra economy.