Jobs In Works Projects

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday May 24, 2000

HUNTER businesses were likely to see positive spin-offs from allocations made in yesterday's State Budget, according to Newcastle and Hunter Business Chamber chief executive David Simmons.

Mr Simmons said the Budget's significant commitment to capital expenditure and its promise to reduce payroll tax were likely to boost the region's economy and employment rates.

`From a business perspective, capital works programs are very welcome because, in a simple sense, they keep people employed,' Mr Simmons said.

He singled out the allocation to the John Hunter Hospital pathology building ($12million), the dual rail track between Antienne and Muswellbrook ($19million) and the Millennium Trains at Cardiff ($25million) as three examples of vital support to Hunter infrastructure.

Mr Simmons also welcomed the commitment to reduce payroll tax from 6.4% to 6% by July, 2000.