The Treasurer, Michael Aird, said today the Access Economics Business Outlook showed that Tasmania is in a period of continued, steady recovery from the global recession.

“The Access Economics Business Outlook is positive about Tasmania’s future,” Mr Aird said.

“The Business Outlook shows that consumer confidence is rising, the outlook for employment is positive, population growth solid and building and construction activity remains strong.

“Access Economics singles out Tasmania’s tourism sector as a real strength of Tasmania’s economy, particularly given the obvious challenges faced by the sector through the high Australian dollar and poor international economic conditions.”

Mr Aird said that the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s survey of Business Expectations had last week showed that business confidence was rising.

He said that despite the positive indicators, the Tasmanian economy continued to face challenges.

“The recent shut-down of major business operations in the manufacturing and forestry industries and subsequent job losses show that we must continue to be vigilant and work hard to ensure growth in the Tasmanian economy,” Mr Aird said.

“We need to work to provide the stability and certainty that business needs to invest in Tasmania and drive our economy forward.”