Another Christmas Another Premier

Transport infrastructure is one of the most pressing issues for business in western Sydney, and unfortunately it is the responsibility of a state government who are more concerned with the powerbase and careers of individual members than they are with delivering real outcomes for the people and businesses of NSW.

Trevor Oldfield President of the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce said," I have developed a good rapport with Nathan Rees and I was confident in his plans to finally deliver on some key transport infrastructure projects for western Sydney. However that is all now up in the air with the appointment of yet another new Premier. "

There is no hiding the fact that businesses throughout NSW are frustrated by a Government focused on its own internal personalities rather than the compelling and real issues facing NSW.

NSW is the engine room of the Australian economy - and given the challenges of drought, the GFC and the Government's own balance sheet, we need a Government completely focused on delivering first class infrastructure and services for the people of NSW.

The fact is that the NSW economy is not, nor has it ever been, as bad as its critics have made out. However, the ability for NSW to change perceptions about the State and its governance is hindered by the inability of the Government itself to focus on the job at hand.

We now have our fourth Premier in four years. This instability has cut across most portfolios - in the important Treasury portfolio, NSW has had five Treasurers in five years and we could have a sixth Treasurer by the end of the week. Whilst each of those Treasurers have in their own way been impressive individuals, we get the sense that none have stayed long enough in the role to make a mark. In the critical Health portfolio that represents 27% of the State Budget, NSW has had five ministers in as many years. In the Police portfolio, NSW has had six ministers in less than five years.

As the Prime Minister himself said of the NSW Government "Get your act together, the people of NSW expect good government. It's time to end the games." We wholeheartedly agree.