Will Hodgman

The Property Council’s Hobart office vacancy report shows that Hobart is quickly becoming closed for business under Labor and the Greens.

The clear message from business is that political instability, inefficiencies in the planning system and rising compliance and business costs are a continuing hand brake on the economy.

The lack of progress developing the Hobart waterfront is also indicative of Tasmania being seen as a place where it's too difficult to get things done.

While conditions are getting better around the rest of the country, in Tasmania it’s getting worse.  According to the Property Council the chances of a recovery any time soon are bleak without urgent action from the government.

The Liberal agenda to put the open for business sign up includes positive policy reforms like a single planning scheme, reducing red tape and putting downward pressure on the cost of electricity and water and sewerage bills.