In its pre-Budget submission to NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Business NSW is proposing the introduction of an automatic payroll tax rebate, based on taxable payrolls recorded during the COVID-19 period.

“The Federal Budget rightly supported a business-led jobs recovery, and businesses will now be looking for similar support in the form of payroll tax relief in the State Budget on 17 November,” said Business NSW Regional Manager Kellon Beard.

“It’s inconsistent for the Federal Government to provide incentives for businesses to hire staff while the NSW Government taxes those newly created jobs,” Mr. Beard said.

“Our renewed push for payroll relief is supported by new data from our members showing that 86 per cent of the businesses located in a CBD, reliant on foot traffic, believe they will be at medium or high risk when support measures end.

“We know that governments do not have a ‘bottomless pit’ of money, so they need to be looking at ways to make it easier for businesses to take on job seekers.

“Importantly, a payroll tax rebate could flow automatically to employers without them having to apply, complementing the Federal Government’s jobs push.

“We’re pleased that many of the policy recommendations in our COVID-19 recovery plan Back on track, released in July, have since been announced to support the state’s recovery.

“But more needs to be done to reduce the economic impact by making some risk-based changes to current restrictions.

“That why in our pe-budget submission we call for government to revisit the four-square metre rule, as well as rethink specific restrictions on types of venues and events.

“The relaxation of restrictions, supported by reliable and robust procedures like COVIDSafe plans, will help improve consumer confidence to visit venues and events.

“Changes in transport protocols and public health orders are also needed to give many employers and their staff the confidence to return to the office, particularly in the CBD, where they can revitalise their workplace and innovate through face to face collaboration,” Mr. Beard said.

[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].

Media Release From | Kellon Neard, Regional Manager, Mid North Coast