The state’s peak business group is calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to shine a spotlight on the private sector to get the nation’s industry moving.

With the Federal Election having kicked off in earnest today, Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter said the needs of NSW business – as the economic engine of our nation – must be the centrepiece of the next federal government.

“Now is the time for both political leaders to really step up and show how they will ensure small and medium businesses are given the freedom to carry the nation forward,” Mr Hunter said.

“Owning a small and medium business is a way for people to fend for themselves, rather than relying on the taxpayer.

“The entrepreneurship and hard work of our members has a huge multiplier effect throughout the many communities of NSW and indeed Australia. When a local business thrives, the entire community thrives.

Mr Hunter welcomes the Federal Government’s $150 energy rebates, as well as the $17.1 billion income tax cuts.

Mr Hunter also welcomed Mr Dutton’s $6 billion pledge to halve the fuel excise for 12 months as well as his desire to cut red tape.

“The Coalition promise to increase the Instant Asset Write-off to $30,000 and make this arrangement permanent is a very positive step for business,” Mr Hunter said.

“We now call on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese match or better it. Earlier this week his government secured this financial year’s Instant Asset Write-off – let’s see them go one step further and better the Coalition’s pledge.

“Mr Dutton’s commitment to offer small and medium businesses $12,000 to support them to put on a new apprentice or trainee in critical skills areas for the first two years of their training is also welcome.

“And his instincts about gas as a crucial energy source are totally right. An east coast gas reservation is a good idea.

“If we are to have a strong manufacturing base, they need access to cheap and reliable energy, a flexible industrial relations system and low taxes.

“But the business community knows that both sides of government can do more. The Treasurer rightly said on Tuesday that ‘the private sector is resuming its rightful place as the main driver of this growth’.

“Both sides can reexamine the economically damaging GST deal which sees billions of dollars in NSW tax revenue sent to WA – a state already rolling in cash.

“Both sides can have a real look at cutting the company tax rate to 25% to make our business and the communities they serve more competitive.

“Both sides can aim at repealing recent industrial relations changes that act as a disincentive to enterprise level bargaining, such as non-consensual multi-employer bargaining and intractable bargaining arrangements.

“Both sides can promise to cap government spending to no more than 25% of GDP.”

About Business NSW

Formerly the NSW Business Chamber, Business NSW is the peak policy and advocacy body which has been representing businesses in NSW since 1826. We represent almost 50,000 businesses.

MEDIA CONTACT: BEN PIKE – 0429 993 822