Interest groups' reception of election

Interest groups have got out early with their wishes from both major parties in the federal election campaign.

HOW THE ELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT WAS RECEIVED:

* "It will be fought on competing claims of fairness, and what is the fairest way to fuel jobs growth and deliver quality services while meeting the challenges of a volatile global economy." - Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott

* "This election campaign needs to see some ambition from our political parties to get behind Australia's visitor economy because it really has been one of the great economic success stories." - Tourism and Transport Forum chief executive Margy Osmond

* "Irrespective of where you want to take this country and our economy, were going to need substantive transport investment and reform to get us there, because we cannot have the economy of the future, using the transport systems of the past." - Australian Automobile Association chief executive Michael Bradley

* "Malcolm Turnbull comes into this election campaign with considerable lead in his saddlebags (on environmental issues." - Wilderness Society national director Lyndon Schneiders

* "It is vital that parties are economically responsible. Both parties need to subject their policies to scrutiny from the Treasury, Department of Finance and Parliamentary Budget Office." - Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive James Pearson

* "Ai Group maintains a non-partisan approach in any political contest but there are policy priorities that should cross the political divide: taxation reform, budget sustainability, developing skills of the workforce, workplace relations, innovation, industry policy, infrastructure, climate and energy, and immigration." - chief executive Innes Willox

* "Retailers, just like consumers, simply want to know that those in government are making clear decisions that provide financial support and stability." - Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman

* "Now is the chance for us to show federal politicians the increasing number of voters that include equality for LGBTI people in deciding how they vote." - NSW Gay and Lesbian Right Lobby co-convenor Chris Pycroft