GSD calls for business manual, guidance on importation & continued engagement for business community

Concerns for the business community have been raised by the GSD, following a statement from Government on plans for engagement.

The Opposition is calling on Number Six to publish a business manual, provide detailed, definite operational guidance on importation procedures and to maintain ongoing structured engagement with businesses.

The GSD accuses the Business Minister of attempting to repackage the narrative on the treaty implementation, in an attempt to conceal previously botched processes. It says it’s concerned and believes Gemma Arias Vasquez should stop playing politics and address substantive challenges facing businesses.

The Opposition states the Government was not adequately prepared to support businesses through a complex and operationally demanding transition – with this lack of readiness creating uncertainty and avoidable disruption.

It says businesses need clear, actionable guidance from the Government and particularly the Business Minister. The GSD highlights trade associations are raising urgent concerns about importation processes which remain insufficiently defined. The Opposition asks what would have happened if treaty implementation had proceeded tomorrow.

It stresses the Government promised a business manual that has not yet been published.

Shadow Business Minister Craig Sacarello says successful treaty implementation depends on execution and on whether or not engagement is cosmetic or meaningful.

And the Minister for Business hit back at the GSD.

Gemma Arias Vasquez says the Government would publish more information if it was in a position to do so.

She says if it hasn't, it's because that very detailed and operational information is not yet available.

Ms Arias Vasquez says she keeps doing what she should be doing, but claims Craig Sacarello hates when she demonstrates this.