5 February 2019: The December Quarter 2018 Sensis Business Index, released today, has revealed that the Tasmanian Government remains the most popular of all states and territories among small and medium businesses (SMBs).
The report, which measures SMB activity, expectations and confidence over a three-month period, has found that despite a fall of four points to a net balance of +39, the Tasmanian Government remains a strong 12 points above the second most popular Government (South Australia at +17).
Sensis Chief Executive Officer, John Allan, said: "Since the March election, the Tasmanian Government has maintained a strong growth in confidence, indicating widespread assurance in the newly re-elected Government among small and medium businesses."
Of the small and medium businesses with a positive opinion of the State Government, the main drivers of support were incentives, subsidies and grants along with being helpful and supportive. Those with a negative opinion expressed excessive bureaucracy and policies which work against small business interest as the most common criticisms.
"With only 4% of businesses feeling the Government works against their needs, it's clear the Tasmanian Government is on the right path towards maintaining SMB support and confidence," Mr Allan added.
However, when looking at overall positivity in business prospects, Tasmanian SMBs lost the title of most confident across the nation to Victoria, after falling 16 points to +43.
Current quarter results were strong across the key performance indicators with balances lifting in all areas except employment (down 6 points to 0). Results were less optimistic when looking at expectations for the year ahead, dropping everywhere but employment, which increased seven points from the December 2017 survey to +19.
"While we have witnessed declines in SMB predictions for 2019 across key indicators, all remain positive and solid on balance, with the exception of capital expenditure.
"We look forward
