Slashing regulatory red tape could help support small businesses and farmers dealing with ongoing fuel price pressures, according to Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson.
Anderson said he backed calls from the Alliance of Industry Associations to reduce compliance costs, arguing it would provide relief during a challenging economic period.
“Small businesses and farmers are bearing the brunt of rising fuel costs spurred on by the war in the Middle East,” Anderson said.
“It’s a tough economy and these hard-working people are facing an uncertain future.
“Business insolvency is approaching record levels under the Labor Government. Something’s got to give. Businesses are doing everything they can to avoid passing cost increases on to their customers.
“The government can do more to cut costs for businesses. Reducing red tape is one of the most direct levers available to the government to support businesses through this crisis.
“Small business owners and farmers are spending thousands of dollars and countless hours in the office dealing with overlapping regulatory compliance costs.
“That’s got to end. I want business owners spending their time on their business, not buried in paperwork.”
Shadow Minister for Small Business Gurmesh Singh said the upcoming budget was an opportunity to provide relief.
“The UK Government has kicked off a Regulation Action Plan with a stated goal of reducing red tape by 25-35% for small businesses,”Singh said.
“New South Wales should do the same, and I’ll be calling on the government to take their razor to government red tape ahead of the upcoming budget.”
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