The peak employer association Ai Group has welcomed a number of initiatives to facilitate the next stage of South Australia’s economic development as the new State Labor Government hands down its first budget focussed on delivering its election promises.
“The establishment of InvestSA along with a $100m Economic Recovery Fund to drive industry transformation will help drive the economic complexity the new Government is seeking to achieve,” Ai Group State Head Jodie van Deventer said.
“Initiatives such as a $10 million manufacturing innovation grants program are welcomed along with a focus on the circular economy and the Catalyst program which will bring renewable leaders to SA.
“The Government has also recognised labour and skills shortages investing $8.8 million in skills shortage funding, $208 million in new technical colleges as well as pledging to support SA businesses to access more skilled workers through the state’s migration program.
“This is a challenging period for businesses which are facing supply chain issues, skills and labour shortages, soaring energy costs and inflation, all as they emerge from COVID restrictions.
“In a tight fiscal environment, it is essential this Government adopts a laser-like focus on ensuring its policies and programs encourage productivity, business competitiveness and growth which are key to our State’s success and to the growth of real incomes.
“In particular, close scrutiny needs to be given to commitments such as the $593m hydrogen jobs program to ensure they deliver genuine returns to the state’s taxpayers.
“In a similar vein, infrastructure project delivery should be scheduled so that those that give the biggest bang for the buck are prioritised.”
Further comment
Jodie van Deventer – 0427 408 588
