Small businesses deserve a government that backs aspiration, not punishes it

SMALL BUSINESS DESERVES A GOVERNMENT THAT BACKS ASPIRATION, NOT PUNISHES IT

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin has met with local small business owners in Tanunda to hear first-hand about the challenges facing businesses across Barker and discuss the Coalition's plan to better support Australia's small business sector.

The round table, one in a series Mr Pasin is conducting around the electorate, brought together business owners from the retail, hospitality, IT and construction sectors.  Attendees highlighted the impact of Labor's tax changes, rising energy costs, persistent inflation, high interest rates and increasing red tape.

Mr Pasin said small businesses were the lifeblood of every regional community.

"Small businesses employ more than five million Australians and are the lifeblood of every community," Mr Pasin said.

"They create local jobs, drive economic growth and help keep our regional communities strong. Their success matters to every Australian, and we should be a country that rewards aspiration."

Mr Pasin said the message from business owners was that many were feeling under increasing pressure.

"Across every sector represented at the table, I heard the same concerns. Businesses are facing higher costs, more regulation and greater uncertainty at a time when many are simply trying to keep their doors open."

"Labor's latest tax changes are a further blow for the people who take risks, create jobs and invest in our communities."

Mr Pasin said the roundtable was also an opportunity to discuss the Coalition's plan to restore confidence and support Australia's small business sector.

"The Coalition's plan starts by scrapping Labor's new taxes on investment and aspiration, because you shouldn't be punished for building a successful business."

"It also includes a permanent $50,000 Instant Asset Write-Off, indexing income tax brackets to stop bracket creep, and a new Small Business Act to give small businesses the fair go they deserve."

Mr Pasin said the proposed Small Business Act would establish stronger protections for small businesses by ensuring they are paid on time, reducing unnecessary regulation, giving them a stronger voice in government decision-making and improving opportunities to win government work.