THE Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA) is calling on the government to create an even playing field by removing the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) on childcare and health services for small business employees.

Peter Strong, Chief Executive said, “We appreciate that the government is focusing more on our needs and wants to support small business.  We currently have a situation where on-site crèches and fitness services provided by big businesses are FBT exempt, while small businesses owners and employees have to pay FBT for exactly the same service off-site.

"That’s an extra 47% that a big business employees may not have to pay. The FBT was introduced to stop the wealthy from manipulating the tax system to their advantage, but childcare and fitness is not the realm of the rich but a service for us all.

“Removal of the FBT for small business is a great idea that would not have a big impact on the budget but will greatly benefit health, families, work place productivity and increase employment opportunities.  This is the right support for government to give to small businesses with very little negative impact on government revenue in the short term and a positive economic impact in the medium term” Mr Strong added.

COSBOA has also congratulated Fitness Australia, the national health and fitness industry association, on their campaign (FITnotFBT) to remove Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) for small businesses.

“COSBOA knows that the impact on the budget is likely to be low as these types of services are not often taken up due to the extra cost of the FBT. A submission from Deloitte to the Federal Treasurer shows that expanding the FBT exemption to external providers would not significantly decrease FBT revenue to government. 

"Deloitte further concluded that any costs would be recouped via the flow-on benefits of reduced health care costs, increased workplace productivity and extra income tax from the fitness industry. This must also apply equally to childcare and will further increase the health and welfare of families, individuals and small business,” Mr Strong concluded.

For more information on COSBOA visit: http://www.cosboa.org.au/

Connect through social media channels:

Facebook: /COSBOA
Twitter: @COSBOA

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QUEENSLANDERS will be enchanted by Mackay’s stunning nature-based tourism experiences with a new marketing campaign. 

Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) CEO Leanne Coddington said the campaign, developed in partnership with Mackay Tourism, was the first to leverage the destination’s new tourism brand, The Mackay Region - Nature. Reserved.

“The Nature. Reserved. campaign amplifies The Mackay Region’s strengths as a nature-based tourism destination,” said Ms Coddington.

“From secluded beaches, to sub-tropical rainforest and an abundance of wildlife, The Mackay Region offers many memorable holiday experiences.

“There is a strong demand for outdoor tourism experiences with more than 10.3 million Australians visiting Queensland’s destinations for a nature-based experience in the year to September 2014. This campaign will help grow that market for The Mackay Region.

“Nature. Reserved. will see stunning imagery of The Mackay Region feature across print, radio and online, inspiring Queenslanders to book their own Mackay getaway.”

Mackay Tourism General Manager Stephen Schwer said the campaign was an exciting milestone for the region’s tourism industry.  

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with TEQ and local industry to reinforce The Mackay Region’s growing reputation as a spectacular nature-based tourism destination,” said Mr Schwer. 

“In the year to September 2014, The Mackay Region welcomed 779,000 domestic overnight visitors. This campaign will capitalise on the appeal of nature-based tourism experiences to the Queensland holidaymaker, drawing more visitors to the destination.” 

Fourteen local operators have partnered with TEQ and Mackay Tourism to offer visitors a series of Nature. Reserved. holiday packages, available through MackayRegion.com and Queensland.com.

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VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone said VECCI welcomes the State Government's announced establishment of the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority and initial $40 million funding for the Melbourne Metro rail construction.

"Melbourne Metro will significantly enhance the capacity of Melbourne’s transport system and create employment, with 3,500 jobs to be created during construction," Mr Stone said.

"Melbourne’s rail network, in conjunction with our road system, is relied upon daily by Victorians travelling to and from employment and while undertaking work duties, as well as by visitors to Victoria.

"More trains running from more stations will significantly improve Melbourne’s public transport system and support Victoria’s economic growth.

"In the early stages of determining the most suitable engineering solution, it will be important that the authority closely engages with business to ensure there is minimal impact on retail and professional services in the CBD and to ensure there is limited disruption to the movement of goods and services in and around affected areas.

"We also welcome the fact that the five new underground stations, Arden Hospital Precinct, Parkville University Precinct, CBD North (Melbourne Central), CBD South (Flinders Street) and Domain, will support employment in vital industries such as tertiary education, healthcare and medical research."

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

vecci.org.au 

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THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) today congratulates new Labor Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and her Government on their appointment.

Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said retailers are pleased to see stability, new employment opportunities and improving business conditions are top priorities for the Labor Government and Premier Palaszczuk.

“For some time now, Queensland retailers have reported they want certainty and security by having a stable government in place.

“There have been a number of concerns from retailers operating in Queensland and today’s swearing in is a relief for both local and national retail businesses following this week’s Federal ructions.

“Retailers, just like consumers, simply want to know that those in government are making clear decisions that provide financial support and stability,” Mr Zimmerman said.

ARA Queensland board member Ralph Edwards said Queensland-based retailers want to be certain their government is focussed on creating jobs and improving business conditions.

“All the retailers I have been talking to tell me they want clear direction from the new Queensland government on jobs and costs for business. We believe today’s outcome is a step in the right direction,” Mr Edwards said.

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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