AUSTRALIA’S three major parties have all offered support to the Big Four issues identified by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) as critical to small business survival and success.
The four key issues, cutting down red tape, simplifying the tax system, making it easier to employ people and building better infrastructure, were identified in the national Chamber movement’s
Small Business Too Big to Ignore campaign that has been running in the lead up to the federal election.
The TCCI contacted the Labor, Liberal and Greens parties last week seeking their responses to the key campaign issues. Each has now provided their responses.
TCCI Chief Executive Michael Bailey said while each of the parties provided differing levels of detail and policy variances, there was an overwhelming acknowledgement of the role played by small business in the economy and strong support expressed for the sector.
“The TCCI is a major player in this national campaign instigated by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and there's no doubt the message has hit home with the political parties and the community.
“Small business is the engine-room of the economy and employment, and this is most evident in Tasmania where most of our businesses are small.
“For too long this sector has been ignored by government at all levels and it is encouraging to see that the ALP, Liberals and Greens acknowledge the contribution of the sector and are promising policies to address our concerns.
“But the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.
"We now need immediate action on the part of the incoming Federal Government to provide the confidence and support to give small business a much-needed kick start," Mr Bailey said.
The responses of the three political parties are available on the
TCCI's website.