THE Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments have celebrated the efforts of the State’s small businesses to create local jobs and provide local services following Small Business Week.
Visiting Tasmania today, Federal Small Business Minister Michael McCormack applauded jobs growth in the state, saying he wants to help the sector to continue to hire more Tasmanians.
“Across Australia, almost half the country’s workforce is employed in small business,” Mr McCormack said.
“That’s why the Federal Government has cut the small business tax rate to its lowest level in 70 years and extended the very popular $20,000 instant asset write-off for a further 12 months.
“We want small businesses to do what they do best – pursue new ideas, have a go and create jobs. This will build upon what they are already doing in cities, suburbs and regions across Tasmania.
“It is great to see the growing numbers of Tasmanians in jobs. Much of this is thanks to the hard work of local small businesses to give people a go and help their businesses grow too.
“I have enjoyed working alongside Roger Jaensch and the Tasmanian Government to keep backing Tasmania’s small businesses and see the sector grow.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business, Trade, and Red Tape Reduction, Roger Jaensch, said the Tasmanian economy relies on the state’s small businesses.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the Tasmanian economy, with more than 36,000 small businesses operating and providing employment for around 100,000 Tasmanians,” Mr Jaensch said.
“Last week we wrapped up our extremely successful Small Business Week, with forums held in St Helens, Burnie, Devonport, Launceston, Huonville and Sorell attracting close to 400 small businesses.
“I would like to encourage Tasmanians, and indeed Tasmanian businesses, to buy local which supports employment and strengthens the Tasmanian economy.
“I would also like to recommend aspiring and existing Tasmanian businesses to explore the refreshed and updated Business Tasmania website, a one-stop-shop providing access to useful tools and programs. This includes personalised business advice, business mentoring, information on available grants and loans, and other useful content.
“Oh behalf of the Hodgman Government, I would like to thank our Federal Government colleagues for their strong support for small businesses.”
For more information about the Commonwealth and Tasmanian Government support for small business, visit the small business website or business.tas.gov.au.