FEDERAL Member for Bonner Ross Vasta was joined today by Small Business Minister Michael McCormack to discuss how the Government’s small business plan was helping local small businesses to grow and create local jobs. 

“It’s great to have the Minister here today to visit local small businesses in my electorate of Bonner,” Mr Vasta said. 

“The Government has a strong plan to back Bonner’s small businesses, including cutting their taxes to the lowest level in half a century and giving more small businesses access to the instant asset write offs programme which is already helping so many local businesses buy new equipment. 

“As a Government, we have delivered for small business because we know that it is small business, not Government which creates jobs, and we are backing them to have a go. 

“The Minister and I also hosted a roundtable with local small businesses today because Government is about delivering but it’s also about listening, and we heard from a variety of local business owners about their challenges and opportunities. 

“Together with the Minister, I will take those issues to Canberra to make sure our local views are considered in future policy development.” 

Minister McCormack said the Government’s economic plan focuses on supporting small businesses to grow, invest and create jobs. 

“It is a pleasure to be here today with Ross Vasta. He is a great local member and true advocate for local small business, local communities and local jobs,” Mr McCormack said. 

“Ross Vasta is part of a Coalition Government in Canberra which is focused on supporting small business to get ahead by cutting company taxes, extending the unincorporated tax discount, slashing paperwork, opening up trade opportunities, and levelling the playing field through changes to competition policy and making sure multinationals pay their fair share of tax. 

“Our plan is all about taking the pressure off small business – the local job creators – so they can get on with running and growing their businesses, and building local opportunities.” 

You can find out more by searching ‘small business’ or visiting www.business.gov.au/smallbusiness. 

Federal Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, the Hon Karen Andrews, says the Turnbull Government’s tax cuts for small and medium businesses will provide more opportunities for young people to take up an apprenticeship.

Minister Andrews joined Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, to visit local company Corona Cabinets that already employs 17 apprentices servicing the construction sector.

“Apprentices have been a key part of Corona Cabinets success since the company started in 2002 with just four employees,’ Minister Andrews said.

“It’s now grown to over 70 staff and is a great example of how investing in apprentices can bring long term benefits for a business and I congratulate the owner of Corona Cabinet on the company’s success.

“The tax cuts being introduced by the Coalition will provide more opportunity for the companies like Corona Cabinets to invest and grow, with the potential for even more local apprenticeships,” Minister Andrews said.

Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said Corona Cabinets is one of nearly 16 thousand businesses in the electorate to benefit from the Turnbull Government’s tax cuts.

“It means thousands of local companies will have greater capacity to invest in their business and that can only lead to more local jobs,” Mr Vasta said.

“The tax cuts have been widely welcomed throughout the electorate not just by business owners but from people who understand the positive impact they’ll have on the local economy.”

Tim McDonald from Corona Cabinets said apprentices have made a great contribution to the company.

“A company like ours can only grow with a skilled workforce and our apprenticeship program has been central to achieving that,” Mr McDonald said.

“The company tax cuts will enable us to look at further investing in the business to continue servicing the construction industry with the potential to take on even more apprentices.”

Minister Andrews said apprenticeships are a valued pathway to a well-paying job and career.

“Many business owners in the trade sector started out as apprentices who’ve gone on to forge a successful career.

“Australia needs to build its skilled workforce to continue our economic growth and I encourage people looking to enter the workforce to consider taking up an apprenticeship,” Minister Andrews said.

Small business owners based in Bonner are invited to attend an intimate one-on-one Q&A session with Federal Minister for Small Business, the Hon Michael McCormack on Tuesday, 11 April, Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said today.

The event will be open to small business people in the Bonner electorate to come meet with the Minister, discuss negative and positive experiences from their own backyards and take part in influencing the legislative process.

“This is a great opportunity to come have a friendly chat with the Minister and present to him any business-related questions or concerns that are on your mind,” Mr Vasta said.

“I encourage local business owners who are interested in attending to register by contacting my office.”

Mr Vasta will be partnering with President of Southside Chamber of Commerce, Kathleen Lewis, to host the event.

“On behalf of the Southside Chamber of Commerce, we are really excited that we have the Minister’s ear,” Mrs Lewis said.

“On Tuesday, you have the invitation to eyeball the Minister, and speak directly to Government. Do not miss out on this opportunity.”

To register your interest in attending please contact Ross Vasta’s office on 3893 3488.

As Australians prepare to spend around $50 billion in the lead-up to Christmas Day, Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta has urged locals to shop small in our community.

“The coming month is when many local businesses take risks, make investments and employ more locals in the hope that the upswing in Christmas retail trade makes it possible,” Mr Vasta said.

“From the many local stores which have unique gifts and must-haves for family, friends and loved ones, to small businesses which sell the groceries necessary for the festive season, there is nothing we need this Christmas which Bonner small businesses don’t sell.”

Mr Vasta said many of Bonner’s small businesses employ more young people and those looking for casual work during the Christmas season.

“Christmas is a vital injection of cash and confidence into our community and a chance to help our small businesses employ more local – particularly young people – and keep that money flowing around our local economy.

Mr Vasta also backed Federal Small Business Minister Michael McCormack’s challenge to Australians this Christmas – think local and shop small. 

“Through your support and the hard work of millions of Aussies and their small businesses, this can be a merry Christmas for local jobs and for our communities,” Mr McCormack said.

It was my pleasure to attend the launch of the Shop Small campaign here on Tuesday evening. I’d like to thank Minister McCormack and my colleagues for spreading the message of just how important it is to shop local within our communities. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. There’s great value to be found by shopping local, all while supporting local jobs and providing security to local businesses and their families. 
 
Since Shop Small began this month I’ve been happy to see this message taken up throughout my electorate. There has always been a strong emphasis on supporting small business within the community. Last month I was thrilled to see an even greater turnout for the annual Bayside Business Expo held in Wynnum. The expo provides a great opportunity for small businesses just starting out and established businesses to network and share their knowledge. The expo also showcases what these local businesses had to offer to locals who dropped in.

As an avid supporter of small business, I look forward to seeing initiatives like Shop Small and the Bayside Business Expo provide a boost to local businesses this holiday shopping season.

Today I rise to speak about a stalwart of the Wynnum community that, sadly, has shut its doors last week after 60 years of service. It’s with great sadness I announce that Bayside Electrical Services is no longer. I’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on the difference this small business on Tingal Road has made in the community over the last 60 years, thanks to its owner Brian Turpin.

Brian first opened Bayside Electrical back in 1957 when he was just 21 years old. He speaks with pride about the rundown 1938 Bedford he bought for 350 pounds back in the day, and restored to use for his business.

From there, Bayside Electrical became a fixture of the Wynnum area, known and loved by all. Brian didn’t just provide outstanding products and service; he also donated generously to local community groups. He made a difference to so many and asked for no recognition in return.

I was touched to receive a call from Brian’s granddaughter Kayleene last week inviting me to come down to shake Brian’s hand at the very last close of business. I could see how much the shop had meant to him, and I could see how much it had meant to the people of Wynnum.

Congratulations to Brian on a well-deserved retirement. Your generosity has been an inspiration. I wish you all the best in the future.

Businesses of all sizes are reaping the benefits from the Coalition Government’s strong economic plan including Free Trade Agreements (FTA) signed with Japan, Korea and China.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta, who was joined by the Prime Minister yesterday, said Grove Fruit Juice in Mansfield was a leading example of how local businesses were benefiting from the work done by the Coalition Government in securing export trade deals.

“The excitement and the enthusiasm in those big new Asian markets for our clean green products is enormous,” Mr Vasta said.

“FTAs have given more Australian businesses greater access to overseas markets than ever before, which was helping to create more jobs and growth in Bonner.

“The Coalition Government is supporting Grove and every other business in Australia with its plan for a strong new economy.

“Only the Turnbull Government has a strong economic plan that will deliver jobs and growth for hard-working families and businesses in Bonner.”

Our Plan will provide jobs and growth and a secure future for Australian families through:

•         An innovation and science programme
•         A defence industry plan that will secure an advanced defence manufacturing industry in Australia and create thousands of new hi-tech jobs
•         Export trade deals to generate 19,000 new export opportunities, give our farmers a competitive edge and open doors into expanding markets for our service industries
•         Tax cuts and incentives for small businesses and hard working families
•         A sustainable budget with crackdowns on tax avoidance and loopholes
•         Guaranteed funding for health, education and roads
•         We will also restore the rule of law in the construction industry by re-establishing the Australian Building and Construction Commission

The Prime Minister spoke on the benefits of the recently signed free trade agreements with China, Japan and Korea for businesses like Grove, which has experienced a boost in sales since the Japan FTA commenced last year.

Consumers in Bonner are a step closer to lower prices, and local businesses are a step closer to growing their business and meeting the needs of their customers, following the release of the Competition Review final report.

The Commonwealth Government commissioned the independent report as part of the first comprehensive assessment of Australia’s competition policies, laws and institutions in more than 20 years. The report includes 59 recommendations for how Australia’s competition policy can be improved.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said the review is aimed at reducing the cost of living for families and giving small and medium businesses the tools they need to succeed.  

“Healthy competition can lead to lower prices at the check-out for families, and can remove road blocks to innovation for local businesses, helping them become more competitive,” Mr Vasta said. 

“It is the surest way to raise productivity and grow our economy, ultimately resulting in higher living standards, better paying jobs, and improvements to our quality of life.” 

“The release of this independent final report is a significant step towards the Government’s election commitment of an effective competition framework to benefit consumers and businesses.”

Some of the recommendations in the report include freeing up remaining restrictions on retail trading hours, re-evaluating restrictive planning and zoning policies, relaxing parallel import restrictions, potentially making cars more affordable, and altering road pricing and related taxes in order to fund better road infrastructure. 

The report by Professor Ian Harper and his panel is now out for eight weeks public consultation, and citizens in Bonner are encouraged to submit their views. 

“It is important we get this framework right to maximise the benefits to households, and minimise unnecessary restrictions on businesses innovating and adapting to new technologies and global competitive pressures,” Mr Vasta said.

The Minister for Small Business, Bruce Billson, said he will take on board the views expressed in submissions and work with the Prime Minister as well as state and territory colleagues in responding to them.

“All of the reforms proposed warrant careful consideration before making any change,” Minister Billson said.

“I look forward to the views of citizens on which recommendations they think would most benefit them. Each state and territory has unique circumstances, so we will need to respond to the recommendations relevant to each jurisdiction.”

A full Government response will be developed by the end of this year.

The full report, together with details of the consultation process, can be found on the Treasury website at www.competitionpolicyreview.gov.au.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, and the Small Business Minister Bruce Billson are preparing for the holiday season by shopping local.

Mr Vasta is committed to supporting small and local business across Bonner, and encourages everyone in the community to do the same.

“Small businesses and family enterprise are the economic life blood of communities like ours and the Coalition wants to see them prosper,” Mr Vasta said. 

“Small businesses provide more than four million jobs across the country. Sadly, 519,000 jobs were lost in small business under the Labor government. We are focussed on arresting this decline and turning these numbers around.”

“We need to encourage and nurture small business men and women because they are taking risks. They are providing employment opportunities for others with in our towns and cities.”

Mr Vasta said one of the best ways to ensure competition and the security of local small businesses is to support them at the till. 

“In the lead up to the busy Christmas period, it is important to visit our local strip shops and small businesses when thinking about your Christmas preparations and Christmas presents,” Mr Vasta said.

“Get out and about amongst your local shopping strips, businesses and service providers. There is great value to be found, not just for your wallet, but also for the health and economic vitality of our community.”

Mr Vasta said that under the Coalition Government, small business had benefitted from the removal of the carbon tax, over $2 billion in red and green tape reductions, the $484.2 million Entrepreneurs’ Infrastructure Programme, and more.

He said the Government was committed to creating a Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, extending unfair contract protections for small business, and taking other measures to help small business thrive.

ENDS

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, chats with local small business owner Bill Gardik at B&G Jewellery in Mount Gravatt.

Madame/Deputy Speaker I wish to update the House on what the Government has achieved for small businesses in my electorate of Bonner, what we are further doing to help local businesses, and what services and initiatives are now available to businesses in Bonner.

I’m pleased to report that my Small Business Forum, which I hosted with Minister for Small Business the Honourable Bruce Billson on October 14, was a great success. A number of business owners and representatives turned up on the night, and it was a pleasure to make the acquaintance of so many new people, as well as catch up with old friends, and see many in the room forge new connections over their shared passion for business.

With my own small business background managing and operating a chain of restaurants, I know the hard work and long hours involved in running a small business. It is easy to empathise with the daily predicaments business owners face.

One of the major talking points of my Small Business Forum was the need to protect small business in cases of misuse of market power and unconscionable conduct. Attendees on the night responded positively to Minister Billson’s overview of the current Competition Policy Review chaired by Professor Ian Harper, the first comprehensive review of Australia’s competition law, policy and institutional framework in 20 years.

I thank Minister Billson for his update on the Harper Review, and for encouraging attendees to ensure their important voice is heard by making a comment or submission on the Harper Review Panel’s recently released Draft Report. I look forward to seeing the outcome of the Harper Review and for some positive outcomes for small businesses in my electorate.

Other important issues Minister Billson and I addressed at the Forum included cutting red tape for small businesses, and helping employers grow their businesses and create jobs.

The Government’s first Red Tape Repeal Day back in March was a major win for small business.

We removed more than 50,000 pages of unnecessary government regulation and legislation as part of our commitment to cut $1 billion a year in red and green tape costs. Our second Repeal Day took place yesterday and will mean more savings and benefits for small business.

Of course, I must also mention the biggest win for small businesses in Bonner this year: the repeal of the carbon tax. At my Small Business Forum I was extremely pleased to hear from business owners who have seen significant savings in their power bills since the carbon tax was abolished in June.

Treasury has estimated that, with the carbon tax gone, retail electricity prices should be around nine per cent lower and retail natural gas prices should be around seven per cent lower in 2014-15.

This is a great win for small businesses, particularly those who rely on cold storage – as Minister Billson shared at the Forum, refrigerant gas prices went up an incredible 400 per cent after the carbon tax was introduced. What a relief this giant impost on small business is now dead and buried.

Minister Billson also informed attendees at the Forum, some of whom expressed reservations about the $1,000 GST low-value exemption on imported goods, that the GST threshold was a key focus at the inaugural Small Business Ministers meeting earlier this month. I eagerly await further progress on discussions over lowering the GST threshold, which will help small businesses in Bonner against fierce overseas competition.

I am pleased that small businesses in Bonner are also benefitting from new, existing and upcoming services available to them that are continuing to evolve and improve.

I thank the Wynnum and Districts Chamber of Commerce for coming out to the Forum and inviting attendees to register with their Small Business Advisory Service. Through this free service, local businesses can access experienced mentors with strong business expertise, business and marketing planning advice, a referral service, and small group think tanks and Q & A panels on selected business topics.

I also thank those from the Manly Chamber of Commerce and Bayside Women in Business who attended the Forum. Manly Chamber of Commerce also does great work for small businesses in Bonner, while Bayside Women provides local women in business with networking opportunities as well as assistance with building and running a small business. I have also been involved in plans for a new community-oriented business hub in Wynnum that will be another great boost for Bayside businesses.

Many thanks go to Minister Billson for attending my Small Business Forum, and to those who turned up on the night. I very much appreciate those who took the time out of their busy schedules to discuss with the Minister and myself the issues most important to them. I will continue to fight on behalf of all small businesses in Bonner and to assist them in any way I can.

Thank you.