TASMANIAN business regards economic management and balancing the State Budget as well as stable government as the key election issues for the March poll.

Taxation reform, the provision of infrastructure, water and energy charges and skills development and training are other important policy priorities for the political parties to address.

These are the findings of a ‘Hot Topic’ poll conducted with the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (TCCI) latest Tasmanian Survey of Business Expectations.

TCCI chief executive Robert Wallace said other priorities for business included land tax reform, emissions trading and the impact on electricity costs, the size and efficiency of the public service, the parties’ positions of the proposed pulp mill and government transparency and integrity, with less reliance on ‘spin’.

Mr Wallace said in the survey, businesses were asked how they would use any tax cuts that may be offered.

“The top three responses were investment in plant and equipment, increasing employment and spending on other business activities in Tasmania.

“This would all be good for the State’s economic growth and the community, and clearly demonstrates how tax reform can have a highly positive impact.”

Mr Wallace said the survey evoked a range of general comments with many emphasising the need for stable government to underpin the other key policy priorities.

“Business is also calling on the Government to enhance support for Tasmanian enterprises, particularly the small and medium business sector and there is a fair degree of dissatisfaction with political performance over recent years.”