RECENT cuts to the small business tax rate – now down to 27.5 per cent – helps small businesses throughout rural and regional South Australia to expand and create jobs, Grey MP Rowan Ramsey says.
“Country communities are communities of small business. In towns big and small, it’s our farmers, our shops on high streets and our small business services which provide the jobs and opportunities on which regional areas rely,” Mr Ramsey said.
The nationwide small business roadshow, which stopped in Port Pirie today, heard from small business owners and operators who are using tax cuts to help grow their business, as well as Federal Small Business Minister Michael McCormack.
“It’s great to have the Michael McCormack in Port Pirie to hear directly from small businesses in our area and take that feedback with him as the Government shapes small business policy,” Mr Ramsey said.
Meeting Steve Cantell, who runs ActFas Training, Mr McCormack and Mr Ramsey heard how Steve purchased two new ambulances this year to grow his private ambulance business and is looking forward to using his instant tax write-off to assist his expansion plans.
“As the first country MP to hold this portfolio, I have made sure I travel throughout rural and regional Australia to hear that feedback and use it when the Government shapes its policy,” Mr McCormack said.
“Across the country I heard how people such as Steve Cantell use the $20,000 instant asset write-off programme. It helps small businesses, such as farmers, purchase the new equipment they need to grow. I took that feedback to the Budget process and we delivered an extension for another year.
“Rowan Ramsey and I understand that it is small business – not Government – which creates jobs. That’s why the Government has cut the small business tax rate to its lowest level in many decades, as well as extending to the $20,000 instant asset write-off.”
Mr McCormack said backing small business in country communities helps create jobs locally.
“By shopping locally and using the lower tax rate and instant asset write-off extension, small businesses can keep expanding, pursuing new ideas and – most importantly – creating more jobs,” Mr McCormack said.
“With better connectivity and new markets open through trade agreements, country small businesses in places such as Port Pirie can take advantage of these opportunities and keep growing local economies.
“So our message is simple – have a go!”
The small business roadshow will head to regional New South Wales next week.