BACKING BUSINESS BY BUILDING THE ECONOMY
Building the Economy
To improve the economy, we have to build and manufacture more in Australia. Construction is the key as it creates jobs and new structures, whether they be buildings, infrastructure or cities. Long term projects produce stability in the jobs market with businesses guaranteed a steady and regular income. But construction alone is not the answer, it needs to be supported by a growing manufacturing sector. There is no point in building factories if they lay idle so, with five, ten and twenty-year projects in the offing, businesses can settle into a period of certainty, safe in the knowledge that there is a plan and the government is keeping to it. The demand for more goods, with grow the manufacturing sector as they produce goods to keep up with the demand from the construction sector.
Keeping Control of the Budget
There have been many good construction projects, which have been ruined by the incompetence of keeping the project on time and on budget, resulting in billions being wasted. Building the economy will require a tight rein on the finances and to ensure that value for money is achieved every time and waste being eliminated. Open and transparent contracts with full transparency and accountability, throughout a construction, project will prevent a blow out of the budget. With the budget under tight control, we will ensure that all future projects have the necessary funds to be commenced and completed.
The State and the Private Sector Partnership
Far too often the Government is seen to act in a way that hinders the private sector from succeeding. The private sector needs to know that their government is on their side and has their best interests at heart. There needs to be a pro-active attitude towards the private sector, working in partnership, to support new projects. The success of the private sector will only have positive effects upon the state. The State must remove all unnecessary impediments that stand in the way of successful and profitable business ventures. The more the private sector is allowed to grow and make profits, the more the State will receive by way of taxes, which can all be used to grow the economy.
State Involvement
Where the private sector cannot or will not venture, should not deter the State from getting involved. Certain markets are not always viable for the private sector, but if the idea is good, then the State should step in and establish what is required. The State must have a “can do” approach towards business; as business is the engine that drives the economy. Poor governments have undermined the confidence of business, so it is not surprising that the private sector is hesitant to lead. The State should not be afraid of leading the way on worthwhile projects, to encourage others to follow.
Commitment to Build
The Conservatives are committed to building our way to a prosperous future. With new cities, new housing projects and building the heavy industry which we need, the private sector can be assured that they have a huge part to play in building this new future.
