The
Federal Election has been called for May 18 and it could be ‘make or break’ for
the small business sector. For too long the major parties have paid lip service
to the needs of small business but largely ignored the genuine policy changes
needed to significantly assist the sector.
And
it is a significant sector. Small business makes up 97 per cent of all businesses
in Australia giving many young Aussies their first job and putting food on the
table for nearly 5 million people. We employ more workers than government and
large businesses.
The
chambers of commerce across Queensland are lobbying as one, to make sure
federal election candidates know that ‘Small Business is a Big Deal’. The
campaign, spearheaded by CCIQ is urging MPs and Senators from all political
parties to back small business policies during the election campaign.
The campaign aims to unite employers
and employees, not drive them apart. Small businesses are not big banks
or major corporations - they care deeply about their staff, and many are
struggling to make ends meet and keep staff employed.
The
Small Business is a Big Deal’ campaign will highlighting how small business
creates jobs, cares for workers, and sustains our community and with this in
mind, the Chambers of Commerce are calling on all election candidates to come
up with policies that:
1. Help employers and employees work better together
2. Deliver affordable, reliable energy with lower
emissions
3. Stop the collapse in skills
You too can have your voice heard and get involved. Sign up at www.supportsmall.org.au
There
were several useful small business initiates in the Budget but the instant
asset write off scheme is of little help if you don’t have the funds to
purchase the asset in the first place. We need to cut costs – compliance costs,
energy costs, taxes, and simply the high cost of doing business in Australia due
to legislatory requirements and frameworks all need to be addressed if
Government is serious about not throttling small business to death.
Small
business really is a big deal.
.