Campbell Newman has won in a landslide and thanked the Queenslanders. It is a clear vote for change he said and his opponent Anna Bligh conceded defeat and said, “It’s clear tonight that the people of Queensland have spoken with the strongest possible voice and they have voted for a change of government,” Mr. Newman will focus on the economy which has been lackluster of late. He will  begin the task of forming a new government and will then assume the responsibility of the office.

There were many factors that contributed to the landslide victory including the fourteen billion privatisation plan and the the decision to sell the assets, including the partial privatisation of QR National.This was one of the most lopsided victories in history which has left the Labor Party devastated with perhaps less than ten seats. The landslide victory could also be a warning sign for the Gillard government which will face the electorate next year in federal election.

There is no questions that change is in the air. Ms Bligh also said, p “I wish Campbell Newman all the best as he embarks on the task of forming a new government and of assuming the responsibility of office,” Ms Bligh said. “He is one of the brightest and best minds that I’ve ever worked with.” Ms Bligh was very gracious in defeat even though this was one of the most decisive victories in history.” The people of Queensland have spoken and it is clear that they wanted dramatic change in their government. The trend toward change throughout the western world continues in Australia and hopefully Mr. Newman will be successful.

The British today announced that they will be cutting their tax rate to become more competitive. Specifically, they will reduce the tax on low income families so that those making less than nine thousand pounds per year will pay no tax. Additionally, they  will reduce the top fifty percent rate and they will trim corporate taxes to twenty four percent. They will raise revenues somewhat by increasing taxes on cigarettes by 37p and on fuel by 3p. It seems they may be on the right track in that they are attempting to protect the poorest of families and at the same time making their corporations more competitive.

Recently, it was announced that the growth rate in Australia has dropped below three percent. As a matter of fact, the drop was the largest on over ten years. It seams to this writer that perhaps we should consider, in Australia, to take a hard look at the tax policies. There is no question that if we can put more money in the pockets of the consumer it will improve the economy and individual businesses.