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Small businesses are questioning the support they are receiving from the federal government, according to new research released by MYOB.
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SMEs growing dissatisfied with government
09 October 2014
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8 minute read
The September 2014 MYOB Business Monitor Report shows levels of dissatisfaction among SMEs are growing – reversing much of the improvements made after the Liberal government came to office.
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The survey of over 1,000 Australian SMEs also revealed business operators felt the government was failing to understand the issues affecting them, with 61 per cent dissatisfied and only 33 per cent expressing satisfaction in this regard.
Tim Reed, MYOB’s chief executive, said it’s a shame to see support for the government slipping away after they made good gains in dealing with the small business community in their first year.
“Of particular concern is the support that small businesses have for policies the government is removing, such as the $6,500 instant asset write-off and accelerated depreciation of motor vehicles,” he said.
“While the government is doing a number of things that are on balance supported by small businesses, such as pushing back the increase in the superannuation guarantee, indexing fuel excise and making the ATO responsible for super and maternity payments; these things are relatively marginal compared to the removal of the instant asset write-off and accelerated depreciation for motor vehicles,” said Mr Reed.
While dissatisfaction with the government is growing, the Liberal Party remains the clear choice for SMEs when asked “Which of the major political parties do you trust most in terms of appropriate management of the economy?” Thirty-seven per cent of respondents said they most trusted Liberal compared to just 17 per cent for Labor.
Nearly one-third of respondents (31 per cent) said they did not trust any of the major political parties in terms of appropriate economic management.
The survey also canvassed the issues SMEs would vote for or against, with policies that significantly simplify the GST/BAS reporting process receiving most support at 60 per cent.
The introduction of a paid parental leave levy for all businesses with revenue over $5 million was least supported with just 21 per cent of respondents saying they were for this policy.
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