A new survey by the Canberra Business Chamber shows that business in the ACT is relatively positive, although the outlook is more uncertain.

“The new quarterly Canberra Business Beat survey shows that 61 per cent of businesses hit their targets in the last quarter, but only 46 per cent expect their businesses to grow in the lead-up to Christmas”, Greg Harford, Canberra Business Chamber Chief Executive said today.

“Across the ACT, the business community is relatively positive, but there are challenges on the horizon, with the increased cost of doing business, challenges in attracting and retaining employees and reduced customer demand being key issues.”

“The Federal Government’s industrial relations reforms are a concern for many businesses, with 35 per cent believing that they will be damaging. A significant proportion of businesses believe that the proposed reforms will lead to reductions in staff levels and a scaling-back of business, as well as making it harder for ACT firms to tender for new work.”

“Overall, a third of businesses operating across state borders believe that it’s harder to do business here in the ACT. Key issues include a higher cost of doing business here, driven by payroll tax, rates, portable long-service leave and well-intended but onerous health and safety rules. Delays and cost in planning approval processes are also significant issues. More positively, Canberra’s proximity to Federal Government agencies is seen as a positive, given the importance of the Federal Government as a client.”

Download the survey results here.

-ENDS-

CBC Media Contact:     Greg Harford, CEO of CBC
CBC Office:                     02 6247 4199