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Urban Taskforce | Media Releases
Business needs stability and long-term thinking from a new federal government
22 August 2010
The business community needs stability and long-term thinking from the next federal government, according to the Urban Taskforce. The Taskforces chief executive, Aaron Gadiel, said the prospect of a minority government was worrying.Now more than ever, we need federal leadership to plan and fund new infrastructure and unblock our housing supply, Mr Gadiel said.
This requires the kind of strength and determination thats usually found in a majority government.
Mr Gadiel said minority governments have a chequered history in Australia.
They can be prone to political crisis, abruptly change policy and be reluctant to make tough calls, he said.
With both parties promising to make big decisions on population growth and infrastructure investment, the last thing we need is short-term thinking.
If neither side can command a majority in their own right, we hope the major political parties can reach a credible accommodation with the independents quickly.
Its crucial that the independents make a clear commitment to stick with their chosen prime minister for the full term.
Difficult decisions will need to be made.
Whoever is in government shouldnt have to constantly look over their shoulder and worry about losing the support of the independents.
Every parliamentarian should have, at the forefront of their mind, the need for Australia to have a robust government over the next three years.
Mr Gadiel said the stronger parliamentary presence of the Greens Party would be a challenge to any government committed to economic growth and rising living standards.
The Greens have traditionally opposed efforts to renew urban communities and allow cities to grow, Mr Gadiel said.
We can only hope that their increased political power will bring with it an increased sense of responsibility.
The Urban Taskforce is a property development industry group, representing Australias most prominent property developers and equity financiers.
