Business community delivers verdict on Gunner government’s performance in first 100 days since being returned to office

AS the clock ticks over to 100 days since the Gunner government was returned to power, the Territory business community has given cautious approval to its efforts.

AS the clock ticks over to 100 days since the Gunner government was returned to power, the Territory business community has given cautious approval to its efforts.

The key business sectors are happy with the Chief Minister’s ongoing management of the COVID-19 pandemic, but have concerns about the pace government will be able to get its public service to move at to implement recommendations from the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission report about to be handed down.

Master Builders NT chief executive Dave Malone said the first 100 days had been positive.

“Right now, the focus of our industry is on what does government do with BuildBonus and will they take up the recommendations expected in the TERC report due this week,” he said.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner. Picture: Che Chorley

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The Property Council of the NT chief executive Ruth Palmer said the NT government must regather its momentum in the midst of a slowdown caused for delays in election outcomes and ministerial and major department reshuffles.

“Government must gather momentum and lead into 2021 with a strong plan,” Ms Palmer said. “With TERC’s report due this week there must be no delays with its adoption and more critically its successful implementation by the right people.”

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro has given the Gunner government fails for: the crime wave sweeping the Territory; its lack of consultation with business and industry, highlighting the hurt caused to it by the Boxing Day public holiday decision; decisions that reduced scrutiny over its performance; COVID-19 quarantine management and safety breaches; and the continuing economic malaise.

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Chief Minister Michael Gunner cited the following as first 100-day highlights: Securing the Centre for National Resilience for overseas repatriations; final TERC report delivered today; all hot spots removed – well ahead of the goal of being open by Christmas; successful seasonal worker intake (first in the nation) and international students (first in the nation); extended the Territory Home Owner Discount; another round of tourism vouchers; start to the red tape reduction action plan; Ship Lift milestone.