2017 in review

It’s been a busy, but enjoyable year getting out and talking to hundreds of businesses across South Australia. 

Despite the tough economic conditions being felt across the state - most notably our high electricity and water prices and rising - it is important to acknowledge the business success stories and recognise there are still great opportunities for growth.

Ellex is one of those companies looking to grow and we need to do all we can to create an environment in our state to give them the chance to help create jobs for the people of South Australia. 

Cutting the excessive cost of doing business in South Australia is a big focus of the Marshall Liberal team. We have already committed to return $360 million to families and businesses with the reinstatement of ESL remissions. 

Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis’s demand to force SA Water to take out a $71 million loan to top up his financial bottom line is incredibly alarming and another sign of his willingness to gouge South Australians so he has more money to spend. 

We know SA has some of the highest electricity prices in the world and Premier Jay Weatherill’s plan for dirty diesel generators to prevent blackouts across the state will cost tax payers more than $400 million when a $24 million solution was on the table to help the transition. 

The TAFE debacle affecting 1300 students across 14 inadequate courses is yet another major blow to our state and another display of mismanagement by the Weatherill Labor Government.

These examples on top of the child protection scandals, closure of the Repat Hospital, the Oakden aged care debacle, dodgy Gillman land deal, high unemployment (in particular youth unemployment) have all been damaging to our state and we can’t continue on like this.

That is why I, as a part of the Marshall Liberal team, I am working hard to create positive change and promote South Australia as a great place to do, own and operate a business.  

We have already announced a number of important policies including

- Local Government council rate capping scheme, to be administered by an independent regulator tasked with applying the Local Government Price Index as the basis for determining a rate cap. Councils can apply to the regulator for a rate increase above the cap in specific circumstances. 

- Energy Solution: A solution that will save the average household $302 per year (view the full plan)

- Establish an independent inquiry into South Australia’s crippling water prices and plenty more.  

Keep an eye and ear out for more exciting announcements in the New Year.

Wishing you a relaxing and happy Christmas break.