The struggling construction industry is to get a shot in the arm with a payroll tax concession, Premier Michael Dunkley announced tonight.

“Since 2009, we have lost more than 1,200 jobs in this important sector — an unacceptable loss of work and opportunity for able-bodied Bermudian men and women,” he said.

“Too boost the situation, I have asked the Finance Minister to introduce in this Parliamentary session payroll tax relief specific to the construction industry.

“This will help stimulate new activity, creating and preserving jobs as we continue working our way out of the recession.”

Mr Dunkley was speaking as he delivered his first TV address to the Island after taking over the top job from Craig Cannonier, who resigned last month.

He added that regulations to advance long-awaited public access to information (PATI) would be tabled in the House of Assembly this session.

Mr Dunkley said: “The plan is to have a PATI commissioner in place by the fall and PATI fully operational by April 2015, enabling people finally to shine new light on the work of Government — asking questions, getting answers, bringing new levels of transparency and accountability to the public sector.”

He added: “We will proceed with public service reform to make Government user-friendly and more efficient and we will continue fixing the country’s finances while extending a hand to the many who need help supporting their families.”

Mr Dunkley said Government had already negotiated a ten percent discount on groceries on Wednesdays, worked with power firm BELCO to introduce a new fee structure that will lower prices for many and deregulated telecommunications, leading to cheaper internet and cellphone services.

He added that the “tremendous outpouring of public support” for the People’s Campaign and its themes of equality, jobs and justice, were a demonstration of the issues that mattered to the people of Bermuda and that their needs had to be addressed.

“My colleagues and I are committed to doing just that. In the 18 months since coming to office we have started moving the Island forward,” he said.

“We see start-ups in the tourism industry, an expanding international sector and an entrepreneurial surge among Bermudians determined to succeed.”

And he said concrete investment in projects like the Hamilton Princess and old Sonesta Beach hotels, the redevelopment of Pink Beach and Coral Beach and the selection of a developer for the old Club Med site in St George’s all signalled a growing confidence in Bermuda and its economy.

“Our success cannot be defined just by growth in business and new investment, but it is important to understand that they are essential for the jobs and opportunities people need to support their families.

“We will therefore continue stimulating the economy wherever we can because of its potential to improve the lives and prospects of more people, more quickly than anything else.”

Mr Dunkley also singled out the young and the elderly as priorities for his administration.

He said: “I want to assure the people of Bermuda that our young people are a clear priority for this Government. They are our hope and our future.

“We will continue to nurture and support their learning and development to ensure they have access to the educational opportunities critically needed for them to succeed both here and beyond.”

And he told seniors: “Government is committed to ensuring that your needs are met so that you can live in comfort, dignity and the peace you deserve in your golden years.”