The state's peak business organisation has expressed disappointment that neither the federal Coalition nor federal Labor have outlined a vision for the nation's future during the election campaign.
The state's peak business organisation has expressed disappointment that neither the federal Coalition nor federal Labor have outlined a vision for the nation's future during the election campaign.
Two days out from the federal poll the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released an assessment of the policies put forward by both major parties.
CCI chief officer John Nicolaou said both sides have released a series of ad hoc and piecemeal policies, which do not form part of a coherent plan.
Two weeks ago the CCI released its Strategies for Growth paper setting out what the next government needed to do to fix key issues faced by local employers.
The CCI's assessment of the parties is based on this paper.
Mr Nicolaou said on the issue of fixing federation, that CCI is disappointed that neither party has recognised the need to deliver a more efficient system of Commonwealth-State relations.
"Instead, both parties have announced policies which further blur the lines of responsibility," he said.
He praised both parties for their plan to return the budget to surplus by 2013 saying it was good financial management.
"However CCI remains opposed to Labor's proposed mining tax and increases to the superannuation guarantee," said Mr Nicolaou.
"CCI is pleased the Coalition will scrap the proposed mining tax and will base future tax reform on the findings of the Henry Tax Review.
"However, we oppose a new tax on business to fund a paid parental leave scheme."
Mr Nicolaou said Labor's pledge to fund road upgrades around Perth Airport is long overdue.
"However, major infrastructure projects, such as upgrading broadband services, are being committed to without proper cost-benefit analysis."
"The Coalition's plan to encourage greater private sector investment in infrastructure provision, and improve the governance of infrastructure spending is positive.
"However, it runs the risk of imposing an additional layer of planning bureaucracy," he said.
Mr Nicolaou was disappointed short term populist policies, such as curbing population growth, and limiting the number of migrants entering the country, have dominated the campaign.
He said both major parties had done their best to avoid a debate on making Australia's industrial relations system fairer and more flexible.
"The current Fair Work Australia system imposes a significant regulatory burden on business," said Mr Nicolaou.
The CCI complained that both parties have missed the opportunity to embark on a renewed competition reform agenda.
"The next government must implement the COAG reform agenda, and remove trade barriers and industry subsidies," said Mr Nicolaou.
On education and training Mr Nicolaou said, "Labor's plan to provide autonomous schools and performance pay for teachers will help deliver a better education and training system."
"Not enough has been done to educate teachers in the use of new technology in the classroom."
"It is also pleasing that the Coalition has recognised the need to provide schools with greater autonomy and financially reward high performing teachers."
"Not enough has been done to attract more people into the teaching profession."
Mr Nicolaou said it was disappointing that Labor has not taken the opportunity to announce a comprehensive health policy
"The Coalition's Commonwealth funding of public hospitals makes sense, but there hasn't been any cost-benefit analysis of the expected health outcomes."
