Local business owners’ dissatisfaction with the Federal Government has reached highs not seen since 2008, as they call for immediate action on five key areas.
According to new MYOB research, just 14 percent of SMEs are happy with the government’s support for business, with government dissatisfaction levels reaching 56 percent.
Business owners made it clear in the survey they want the government to act immediately on the following five areas:
1. Policies that significantly simplify the GST/BAS reporting process.
2. More Federal government investment in transport infrastructure in major States and cities.
3. Increased funding for innovation, research and development by Australian businesses.
4. Introduction of a ‘buy Aussie made’ policy for government procurement where possible.
5. Abolition of the Federal carbon tax.
MYOB CEO Tim Reed said business owners are a pragmatic group, without ideological views and in support of clear policies that promise to strengthen the economy and remove red tape.
“If the Government wants to turn around these record dissatisfaction levels, new policies need to pass the MYOB test: does this make business life easier for Australia’s 2 million SMEs?”
Reed suggests that now the carbon tax is off its immediate agende, the Gillard Government can respond to suggestions made at the recent tax forum.
“Some excellent policy suggestions put forward at the Forum included: simplifying small business taxes into fewer, but harder working, broad based taxes; reducing red tape and compliance; encouraging businesses with policies like the tax loss carry back idea and finally compensating them for the administration they do on behalf of the Government.”
