UNDER EMBARGO: FOR RELEASE TO PUBLIC ON THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER 2009
Conditions turn positive for Queensland business
Queensland businesses have experienced positive trading conditions for the first time in well
over a year, according to the Sensis® Business Index released today.
The quarterly survey began in 1993 and provides the latest snapshot of small and medium
enterprise (up to 199 employees) business activity in Australia. It is based on a sample size
of 1,800 from metropolitan and regional areas, interviewed between 30 October and 20
November 2009.
Report author Ms Christena Singh said conditions continued to improve for Queensland’s
small businesses during the quarter, and the Christmas period was expected to bring further
positive results.
“Queensland small businesses have experienced challenging trading conditions over the last
12 months.
“The environment has improved considerably over the last quarter, with conditions turning
positive for the first time in well over a year,” Ms Singh said.
The Sensis® Business Index shows Queensland small businesses experienced strong
improvements in sales, profitability and employment during the quarter.
“This is the first time we have seen sales and employment in positive territory in Queensland
since November 2007.
“However profitability remains negative overall, and Queensland businesses are expecting
further declines in profitability trends during this upcoming summer quarter,” she explained.
In line with stronger conditions, business sentiment improved, with business confidence now
equal to the national average.
While small business support for the Queensland Government rose strongly during the
quarter, the government takes the mantle of the nation’s second least popular.
Perceptions that there are no incentives for small business, too much bureaucracy and that
the government is selling off assets are key reasons small business do not support the
Queensland Government.
December 2009 Sensis® Business Index Queensland Key Indicators:
The business confidence indicator improved two percentage points to 52 per cent
Over the quarter, 13 per cent of businesses decreased their workforce size, while 14
per cent increased staff numbers, with the remaining making no changes
The profitability indicator rose substantially from negative 16 per cent to negative four
per cent
Demand for goods and services continued to improve, with the sales indicator up
from negative seven per cent to positive one per cent
Capital expenditure fell, with the indicator down from zero per cent to negative one
per cent.
-ENDS-
For interviews with the report author or for further information contact:
De-Arne Carr on 03 9397 5677 or 0419 585 711
For further commentary from report author Christena Singh, visit
Sensis® Business Index is available now by contacting the above or can be downloaded
from www.about.sensis.com.au/resources from 9am Thursday 3 December 2009.
NEWS 
