South Australia has once again been named the best place in Australia to do business, topping the Business Council of Australia's rankings for the fourth consecutive year.
Property Council SA Executive Director Bruce Djite said the result was another strong endorsement of the State Government's efforts to make South Australia a competitive, confident and attractive place to invest.
"Four years at number one doesn't happen by accident. South Australia has built a reputation for being open for business, cutting unnecessary barriers and competing hard for investment," Mr Djite said.
"The State Government is also working hard to lift Adelaide's national and international profile through major events such as MotoGP, golf, Gather Round, Tour Down Under and our world-class festival calendar.
"These events put Adelaide on the map. They bring people into our city, fill hotels and restaurants, support retailers and hospitality businesses, and show investors and visitors that Adelaide is a city worth backing.
"But while the State is pushing Adelaide forward, too often the City of Adelaide seems determined to pull in the other direction. "We cannot continue to have initiatives that are good for South Australia becoming bogged down in institutional friction with a council of just 12 elected members, many elected on only a few hundred votes.
"Our capital city is far too important to the economic fortunes and international reputation of South Australia for that to continue."
The time has come for a root-and-branch review of the City of Adelaide's governance, functions and responsibilities, including the operation of the City of Adelaide Act. The review should determine which functions genuinely belong with the Council and which would be more effectively and strategically delivered by the State Government.
"Businesses in the CBD need a council relentlessly focused on economic development, investment, activation and creating a vibrant city.
"South Australia has just been recognised, for the fourth year running, as the best place in Australia to do business. "Our capital city should be helping us live up to that reputation, not holding us back.
"It is time the governance of our capital city caught up with the ambition of our State."
