NSW the High-Taxing State

NSW the High-Taxing State

Recent media reports of businesses reluctantly leaving NSW to set up in other states has reinforced and validated all my previous calls, since becoming the Member for Lismore in 1999, that the tax imposts are making NSW businesses uncompetitive compared with neighbouring States such as Queensland and Victoria. Local companies having to compete with Queensland counterparts, are moving interstate to take advantage of lower taxes.

As of 1 July this year, 450 charges went up ranging from fishing licenses to conveyancing, as announced in the State Budget.

These tax increases have resulted in even more jobs leaving NSW - the Carr Government needs to urgently consider ways of providing incentives to keep business operations in NSW.

The NSW Coalition opposed the new business taxes in an effort to force Labor to rein in its expenditure and make NSW more competitive with lower taxing states. The Carr Government is averaging a new tax measure every week since Budget was delivered in May.

NSW is the highest taxing state and in the last two weeks, there is arguable evidence that NSW jobs are being lost, and essential industries like housing construction going backward, property development going interstate, all as a result of Labor's new and extended taxes.

The following regulations have the effect of increasing fees payable for various business operations. These include:
Business Names Registrations
Community Land Management fees
Home Building Application fees
Motor Dealer Registration fees
Motor Vehicle Repairers Registration fees
Pawn Broker And Second Hand Dealers Registration fees
Property Stock And Business Agents Registration fees
Strata Scheme Management fees
Trade Measurement Administration fees
Travel Agents fees

The government has even increased fees for Funeral Funds even though they are undertaking an inquiry into the costs of Funeral Funds.
Even though the fees are in some cases not high they compound and increase costs payable by consumers.

Flood Assistance - Small Business

Following last months flooding and the visit by NSW Premier, Bob Carr, who declared a Natural Disaster, I wish to convey information to small businesses who need to access assistance can do so through the Rural Assistance Authority, who administers the aid. Information can be obtained by ringing 1800 678 593 or via the website www.raa.nsw.gov.au.