Tasmania's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic has been pinned squarely to the back of the construction sector.
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After enjoying our moment in the sun with a strong tourism sector, the wind was effectively let out of Tasmania's sails once the pandemic took hold and decimated interstate and international travel.
However, Premier Peter Gutwein has been unashamed in his pursuit of a construction-led recovery and has announced a renovation blitz for government-owned facilities such as schools and offices.
Last week, the state government passed another significant milestone in the journey towards rolling out its aggressive construction program, with the passing of the controversial Major Projects bill.
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However, a new survey from Master Builders Tasmania has shown while businesses are on the road to recovery, many are hurting. Members surveyed reported that private sector work was on the decrease, with many jobs delayed or cancelled.
Surveyed members also said several businesses had to let employees go due to payroll tax constraints on the industry. As Civil Contractors Federation chief executive Rachael Matheson puts it: "We won't be able to build our way out of this crisis if a big chunk of our workforce is interstate."
The survey results from MBT indicate 76 per cent of businesses would employ more workers if they had payroll tax relief.
If Tasmania is to build its way out of the pandemic, then the construction sector, like other sectors, needs to be supported.
While the tourism and hospitality sectors have been disproportionately affected by the shutdown, it stands to reason that the industry that will help lead economic recovery also be supported. The focus needs to shift towards supporting the businesses that will play a positive role in bringing Tasmania's economy back in the green, while also helping those who have suffered until they can get back on their feet.
The last thing that Tasmania needs is construction industry workers seeking work on the mainland because they won't be able to come back. A government-led program for recovery is not going to be enough.