A packed house at Country Club Tasmania at Prospect heard from the Treasurer and Premier Will Hodgman who took questions from the floor about budget expenditure.

The lunch was part of the state government’s budget roadshow, with a breakfast held in Hobart and a dinner event held in Burnie.

It was hosted by the Launceston Chamber of Commerce. LCC executive officer Jan Davis said while the budget was a “good business budget” there was still more work to be done.

“The data also shows that the north is still lagging on some lead indicators, including unemployment figures. These imbalances need to be addressed if the state’s overall potential is to be achieved,” she said.

“Businesses in northern Tasmania must be able to compete against interstate and global competitors, and we welcome investments that create jobs and promote growth.”

Several initiatives are of particular interest to businesses in northern Tasmania include payroll tax relief and incentives for businesses employing apprentices and trainees; and programs designed to address employment prospects for disadvantaged young people.

“This budget has delivered on the sound decisions made in previous years to get the state’s finances onto a stable footing; and sets a path forward for a future which will allow the business community to capitalise on growth opportunities.”