Local industry advocate welcomed by property sector

Local industry advocate welcomed by property sectorA new ‘local industry advocate’ will help businesses in Canberra to get a ‘fair go’ in government procurement says the Property Council of Australia.Chief Minister Andrew Barr has announced the new position, with the Advocate’s first job to work with local industry to identify improvements to government procurement processes, and to ensure local businesses are able to compete on a level playing field. “The Property Council is supportive of the ACT Government’s sharpened focus on urban renewal, and welcomes this new position of Local Industry Advocate, which will help to enhance and support business investment in the Territory,” says the Property Council of Australia’s ACT Executive Director, Catherine Carter. “There is certainly a sense of renewed optimism in Canberra that industry can work together with government to create a city of which we can all be proud. “For example, the introduction of a Local Industry Advocate presents a good opportunity for the private sector to further engage with the ACT Government on important issues in response to changes in the economy. “Housing affordability also remains a critical issue for many Canberrans, for example, and a level playing field for local industry will provide more competition in the market. “One of the best ways for the ACT Government to enhance local industry participation is to maintain its focus on reducing red tape and inefficient taxes that are currently stifling productivity and economic growth, and preventing urban renewal projects from getting off the ground. “These new announcements are positive for the people of Canberra. What we need to do now is to continue to reframe the ACT’s business model to uncover new revenue streams that will reduce our reliance on land sales and property taxes to fund the growth of our city,” Ms Carter concludes. Media contact:Catherine Carter, ACT Executive Director, 0412 330 079