ACT BUSINESSES SHOW THEIR RESILIENCE

The latest business expectation survey results from the ACT and Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry show encouraging signs for the business sector, which continues to perform well in a challenging economic environment Chief Minster and Minister for Business and Economic Development, Jon Stanhope said today.

"ACT businesses reported improved conditions during the June quarter with positive growth in sales, prices, profit and wages, and capital expenditure on plant and equipment," Mr Stanhope said.

"These results portray a picture of a resilient ACT business sector, which is adapting to the challenges and positioning itself for growth when the upswing occurs.

"It is encouraging to note that businesses remain confident in the ACT economy with improved conditions forecast for the September quarter."

Mr Stanhope said the positive results were consistent with other economic surveys including the latest CommSec State of the States report which ranked the ACT as the second best performing economy nationally, and the fastest growing economy.

The latest Sensis Business Index also found that business confidence in the ACT was the strongest in the nation in the last financial quarter.

Mr Stanhope said the Government would continue to support positive growth in the business sector through a strong capital investment program and targeted initiatives such as the recent trade mission to China and upcoming ACT Business in Focus Month in September.

Media Contact:

Chantelle Lustri 6205 2775 0434 560 770 chantelle.lustri@act.gov.au
Jess Wurf 6205 0504 0411 772 700 jess.wurf@act.gov.au