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QUEENSLAND has surrendered its status as Australia's lowest-taxing state but remains the nation's economic powerhouse, performing above average on almost every key measure.

Treasurer Terry Mackenroth admitted Queensland was no longer the cheapest state for government fees and charges but it remained "a low-tax state".

Queenslanders pay, on average, $1614 in state taxes and charges a year, compared with a national average of $2078.
NSW residents pay $2290 a year on average.

In the National Australia Bank's most recent survey of business confidence, Queensland scored significantly higher than the national average for profitability, employment and trade performance.

In the past 12 months, Queensland created more than half of all full-time jobs in Australia.

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