STATEMENT by QRC Deputy Chief Executive Judy Bertram:

"The Queensland Government has approved the mining leases for QCoal’s Byerwen coal mine, near Glenden.

"This announcement is a huge shot in the arm for the central Queensland economy with hundreds of jobs expected to be created during construction and once the mine is operational.

"This is a big dose of export growth for Queensland’s premium coking coal, which is why Japan’s JFE Steel is investing in the project. This mine will also be a significant economic contributor to local communities and the wider Queensland economy.

"QRC’s current data shows that in 2015-16, the state’s coal industry’s total contribution of $32.7 billion, supported more than 180,000 jobs. The coal industry spent $11.3 billion in Queensland on more than 10,700 local businesses and almost 500 community organisations.

"At last week’s spot prices of $224 US, at full production, this project alone would generate more than $450 million dollars extra a year in royalties for the Queensland Government that pays for nurses, doctors and teachers as well as important infrastructure."

www.qrc.org.au

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THE Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) is forecasting tomorrow’s Federal Budget to show some tough love in the war against Australia’s cash economy.

“It is believed that billions of dollars of Government revenue is potentially slipping through the cracks due to a cash-fed black economy, so it is only right that Government acts accordingly,” said IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway.

“The introduction of ABNs in 2000 was intended to make it more difficult to operate in the cash economy.

“The reality is that the cash economy has continued to grow and new integrity measures are required to curb its continual growth.

“Hard working small business owners are competing against entities that are not paying their share of taxes, creating an uneven playing field.

“The IPA is supportive of additional measures that will address the unfair advantages that some businesses have operating in the cash economy. The Government has put in place a host of measures to deal with multi-national tax avoidance; its intention will now focus on those who choose to operate in the cash economy.

“The Black Economy taskforce has tabled its interim report to Government and we expect some of those recommendations contained in the report to be announced on Budget night.  The taskforce is yet to finalise its final report and work is ongoing,” said Mr Conway.

publicaccountants.org.au

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IT IS TIME to recognise the commitment of those Australians working to protect the environment and delivering more sustainable agriculture.

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Luke Hartsuyker, today urged all Landcare groups and volunteers to nominate those hard working, passionate people for recognition in the 2017 Landcare awards.

“Landcare is an important part of the Australian Government’s billion dollar plus investment in improving the condition of our natural resources including soil health, and it’s vital we acknowledge those individuals, partnerships and organisations that are carrying out this essential work,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“Landcare has more than 6000 groups and more than 100 000 volunteers. As we head into National Volunteer Week, these awards are not only a timely reminder to encourage people to get involved in their local community but also an opportunity to acknowledge the many significant environmental and agricultural outcomes being achieved.

“We can’t have a sustainable agricultural industry without looking after its productive base - soil management, weed, pest and disease management, water management and biodiversity.

“Agriculture relies heavily on the health of the natural environment and the Australian Government is proud to acknowledge those dedicated to protecting it for future generations.”

This year there are nine categories in the state and territory Landcare awards including sustainable farming, indigenous land management, young landcarers, coast care and innovation.

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources will sponsor the Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award, Australian Government Excellence in Sustainable Farm Practices Award, Australian Government Innovation in Agriculture Land Management Award and the Australian Government Partnerships for Landcare Award.

Tessa Jakszewicz, CEO of Landcare Australia, encouraged everyone to get involved and nominate deserving Landcarers.

“Recognising our Landcare champions is vital for sustaining Landcare and its future,” Ms Jakszewicz said.

“The awards are a mechanism to celebrate all that the Landcare community do and can learn from each other.

“Importantly it provides an opportunity to showcase the accomplishments of individuals and groups, enables us to share knowledge, and serves as an inspiration for the next generation of Landcarers.”​

All winners at the state and territory level will go on to be finalists at the 2018 National Landcare Awards.

Anyone interested in finding out more or submitting a nomination can visit https://e-award.com.au/2017/landcareawards/newentry/about.php​.

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PAYROLL tax holds small businesses back and Victoria’s cut to regional payroll tax will assist jobs and growth, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, said today.

Victorian Treasurer, Tim Pallas, announced the payroll tax cut as part of the Victorian 2017-18 Budget this week.

The rate of payroll tax will be reduced from 4.85% to 3.65% for regional businesses  - the lowest rate in Australia - and the payroll tax-free threshold will increase from $575,000 to $625,000 from 1 July and to $650,000 from 1 July 2018 for all businesses.

Ms Carnell said the Victorian Government’s payroll tax cut was good news for small businesses in that State because the tax was a significant burden on small business.

“This is a big step in the right direction in Victoria, however, the new threshold is still some way below other States, including New South Wales and Queensland,” she said.

Queensland has a payroll tax threshold of $1,100,000 and New South Wales’s is $750,000. The Australian Capital Territory has a payroll tax threshold of $2 million.

Ms Carnell called on other States and Territories to review their payroll tax arrangements to help remove the regulatory and administrative burden on small businesses.

“As I travel around Australia talking to small business owners, payroll tax consistently comes up in conversations as one of the key issues holding back businesses,” she said.

“I call on other state leaders and treasurers to do all they can to reduce the tax burden and create a system that ensures small businesses have every opportunity to expand their enterprise and hire more staff, create sustainable local economies that contribute to the overall strength of the nation’s bottom line.

“Small businesses are the engine room of the economy, employing the majority of Australians. It is vitally important that governments at all levels support their growth and allow them to get on with the business of running their business and employing more people.” 

www.asbfeo.gov.au    

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