THE outlook for small businesses in the Sunshine Coast community looks bright as Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien took the Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack to the heart of his electorate today.
“As the most entrepreneurial region in the country, the Sunshine Coast has many fantastic small businesses, I am pleased that our Federal Minister for Small Business can be here today to hear from them directly about what’s working well and where more can be done,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Small business has an enormous positive impact on the local community and I want to ensure that they are supported and listened to so that we can continue to see these businesses thrive.
“We’ve cut company taxes to the lowest they have been in 40 years and have expanded many small business support programmes, this is helping to create local jobs and grow these businesses in a tangible way.
“This Government is about creating opportunity for small businesses to help them to get ahead, but there are some challenges, including the rising cost of energy, which has been highlighted in conversations today.
“That’s why the Coalition is tirelessly fighting to ensure the right policies are put in place to lower energy bills, so these local job creators can continue to thrive and grow the local economy.”
Mr O’Brien and Mr McCormack met with a number of Coast small businesses including a printing business, meatworks, supermarket and the Sunshine Business Community.
“Having owned and operated my own small business I know the challenges small business face,” Mr McCormack said.
“Small business brings so much to the communities they operate in, they are the real jobs creators for the economy and I want to ensure that this continues especially here on the Sunshine Coast.
“As a Government we have and continue to deliver tax cuts, the instant asset write off, we’re continuing to slash red tape and have made significant changes to simplify the BAS.
“There is still more to do for small business and we don’t have all the solutions, and that’s why as Minister for Small Business I love meeting with these hard-working Australians so that I can hear first-hand where we can be doing more to help.
“The Government is currently inviting submissions from individuals, businesses and community groups on the views regarding priorities for the 2018-19 Budget. If you’ve got a good idea I encourage you to share it.
“It is great to hear today how the Liberal National Government is making a difference to the 21,000 small businesses operating across the electorate of Fairfax – well represented in Canberra by Ted O’Brien.
“Ted O’Brien and the LNP Government are backing small business to grow the local economy and create local jobs.”
You can find out more about the small business package at business.gov.au/smallbusiness.
Pre-budget submissions can be made at www.treasury.gov.au/consult.