Queensland business confidence has jumped to its highest level in seven years, with business owners feeling positive about the year ahead.
But the survey was not all good news, with the Queensland government's approval rating not budging, remaining on -18, the second lowest rating for any state or territory government.
That result, from the latest Sensis Business Index, was met with a mixed reaction from Labor and the LNP as the state heads into an election year.
The report shows Queensland small and medium business confidence rose four points to +43 this quarter, sitting at its highest level since March 2010, and rising for the third quarter in a row.
More than three times as many Queensland businesses (60 per cent) are now confident, compared to those who are worried (17 per cent).
Sensis chief executive officer John Allan said while the results were below the national average, compared to this time last year, Queensland business confidence had risen eight points.
But while business confidence improved, it was not good news for the Queensland government's approval rating, with attitudes to whether its policies were supportive sitting at -18.
Business people were asked: "Thinking about the current state/ territory government, do you believe that their policies are supportive of small business, work against small business or have no real impact either way?"
Only South Australia was lower than the Queensland government, on -27, while only the Tasmanian, NSW and NT governments generated a positive response.
"The most common criticisms were that the [Queensland] government takes too much notice of unions and there is a lack of activity, including infrastructure development," Mr Allan said.
People with a positive view of the Queensland government mentioned it was supportive and helpful in trying to reduce red tape.
Confidence in Brisbane remained the same (+54), while in regional Queensland there was a six-point rise to +36.
Acting Small Business Minister Kate Jones said business confidence was vital to the vibrancy and economy of regional communities and she was pleased to see some positive momentum.
But she said the report showed there was more work to be done, especially in the regions.
"That's why the government is offering a higher incentive to Queensland businesses to employ apprentices and trainees through our payroll tax rebate," Ms Jones said.
But Shadow Treasurer Scott Emerson said fewer than one in 10 small and medium businesses surveyed believed the government had policies that supported them.
"If businesses lose confidence they won't invest, which is why Queensland is currently leading the nation in job losses," Mr Emerson said.
Nationally, confidence is sitting at the highest level since March 2010, following an eight point rise to +46 on a net basis.
"Businesses in Queensland (are) feeling confident about their individual business strengths and the state also recording the best profitability results," Mr Allan said at the time.
The Sensis Business Index is a quarterly survey, reflecting the views of 1000 small and medium businesses.
The results are reported as a net balance, which represents total positive responses minus total negative responses.
