The Executive Director of the Australian Retailers Association, Russell Zimmerman, today congratulated former Treasurer Peter Gutwein on his ascension as Premier of Tasmania, saying the ARA looked forward to continued strong leadership in the Apple Isle and to working closely with Mr Gutwein's government.
Mr Zimmerman noted the retail sector has been a key driver of Tasmania's economic re-emergence in recent years and paid tribute to the role played in Tasmania's performance by Mr Gutwein as Treasurer, saying the new Premier's experience in government to date would stand him in good stead for his new position.
"The ARA would like to offer its heartiest congratulations to Premier-elect Gutwein on being elected by his colleagues to lead Tasmania, and the ARA looks forward to working with him as Premier to continue the good work that's been done in partnership with the government in the retail sector," Mr Zimmerman said.
Mr Zimmerman also paid tribute to outgoing Premier Will Hodgman, whose government had presided over a sustained period of economic recovery in Tasmania since 2014, and praised the leadership he had shown.
"As Mr Hodgman leaves politics to spend more time with his family, we wish him all the best," he added.
Mr Zimmerman said Tasmania - where retail and tourism were inextricably-linked drivers of the state's economy - was a key focus for the ARA, adding that the ARA's Retail Training Institute had delivered training for thousands of Tasmanian jobseekers in recent years that had led to people securing employment.
"The ARA is deeply committed to the retail sector in Tasmania, and to working in partnership with the state government to continue growth in the sector to drive job growth and a thriving local retail environment," he said.
Mr Zimmerman said the ARA urged the new Premier to continue the good work affecting retailers that occurred under his predecessor, and said the ARA looked forward to working with him to deliver positive outcomes.
"This is a government that has been good for business, and we appreciate the support we have received in recent years; we hope Premier-elect Gutwein continues to prioritise that, and we look forward to working with his government to help ensure Tasmanian retail continues to grow and deliver jobs," Mr Zimmerman concluded.
