The IPA has released exclusive research which shows that Australians support low taxes and streamlined regulation to stimulate economic development in Australia’s North. 60% of Australians are in favour of the implementation of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Northern Australia.
The Galaxy poll commissioned by the IPA asked Australians: “Would you be in favour or opposed to the establishment of a Special Economic Zone with low taxes to stimulate economic growth in Northern Australia?” Other findings include:
- 73% of regional Queenslanders and Western Australians are in favour of a SEZ
- In Brisbane and Perth, 66% were in favour of a SEZ
- Only 20% of Australians were opposed to a SEZ
The WA Premier Colin Barnett has supported the proposal for low taxes in the North – here’s the article in WAToday. Cairns Mayor Val Schier has also supported the proposal saying “we should just be looking at making it easier to do business in the North.” The rest of Mayor Schier’s comments are here.
Not all the comments from political leaders were positive however, Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser said in the Brisbane Times that his state already had in place policies to ensure a “prosperous future.” The IPA’s Julie Novak disagrees in revealing research that we have shown you before – “Queensland has become a less favourable destination for business development and economic growth.”
Special Economic Zones have been used internationally to promote regional growth and prosperity. This year for example, Prime Minister David Cameron has announced the establishment of 21 new economic zones in the UK.
Australia should implement similar policies in the North to encourage development.
This week Professor Ian Plimer and I will be presenting a series of information sessions in Longreach on 28 June and Barcaldine on 29 June. Professor Plimer is Australia’s most well-known geologist and author of Heaven and Earth, Global Warming: The Missing Science.
The details of the free sessions are:
Longreach, 5.30pm, Tuesday 28 June
Longreach Civic and Cultural Centre
96a Eagle St
Barcaldine, 5.30pm, Wednesday 29 June
Barcaldine Town Hall
71 Ash St
If you’d like to know more about the sessions please contact the IPA on (03) 9600 4744 or contact the director of the project, Hugh Tobin at htobin@ipa.org.au. Click here to RSVP.
Also visit our website: http://anewnorth.ipa.org.au.
As always please feel free to tell me your vision for a new North at jroskam@ipa.org.au.