Now we mean business
By Heath Aston & Mark Skelsey - The Daily Telegraph (NSW Metropolitan, 28 July 2005)
BUSINESSES yesterday farewelled Bob Carr with a long list of demands for his successor – chief of which was to make the state a more attractive place to operate.
The club movement attacked Mr Carr's time in office, describing his reign as "financially devastating" for its industry.
The Australian Industry Group (AIG) yesterday called for the recent $35 billion pledge to invest in roads, ports and other key infrastructure to be backed up with further initiatives.
AIG chief executive Heather Ridout said whoever took over as the Premier must consolidate Mr Carr's recent focus on infrastructure.
She also said Sydney must be made a more attractive place to do business as other state's vie for the city's premier mantle.
"Good bones don't always give you the best looking guy, we need to continually build on our competitive environment," Ms Ridout said.
"We cannot rely on good harbour views to attract foreign companies to invest in Sydney."
The state's relationship with the Federal Government over state taxes must also be sorted out, she said.
But, Australian Business Ltd chief executive Mark Bethwaite said Mr Carr should feel personally proud of his remarkable record as the longest continuously serving premier of NSW.
"The business community did not always agree with Bob Carr, but we always respected him," Mr Bethwaite said.
"His door was always open. We respected him for the courteous and professional way he acted as premier."
State Chamber of Commerce (NSW) CEO Margy Osmond wished Mr Carr well with his retirement plans.
"More than 10 years as Premier of NSW – in one of the nation's most demanding roles – is certainly an impressive milestone and I'm sure Mr Carr and his wife Helena are looking forward to a well-earned break," she said.
ClubsNSW chief executive David Costello, however, pulled no punches in his farewell remarks to Mr Carr, saying he had overseen the most "financially devastating" period in the club industry's 100-year-history.
He said 130 clubs had closed down during Mr Carr's reign and another 87 had amalgamated.
"During this decade of rule, barely a town has avoided the shock of a local club closing down and watching its football fields, swimming pools and community auditoriums sold off," he said.
He said Mr Carr's departure would allow MPs who oppose the tax to now speak up about the issue in Caucus.
Australian Hotels Association president John Thorpe was glowing in his assessment of Mr Carr's tenure. Mr Thorpe said he "respected the professional manner in which the Premier conducted himself".
"The NSW hotel industry wishes Bob Carr and his wife all the best for the future," he said. | End |
