Community Alliance Party

A payroll tax waiver system for new business is cautiously welcomed, but more must be done to support new business, according to Community Alliance Party spokesperson and candidate for Molonglo, Norvan Vogt.

"The Community Alliance believes there is merit in the idea of reducing payroll tax in the first five years as long as it is administered in an open, accountable and equitable manner, and that’s the key issue," Mr Vogt said.

"If we held balance of power, the Community Alliance would support a selection process of businesses for support that is fair and above board," said Mr Vogt.

"Having an apolitical panel of accountants selecting businesses on the merits of their proposal is a sound idea," he said.

"Our concern is that the Chief Minister’s proposal, for Cabinet to make the final decision, exposes the process to potential political abuse and favouritism and must be rejected," Mr Vogt said.

The Community Alliance is committed to working cooperatively with community, business and government agencies to create an environment that fosters small business and cuts through some of the red-tape and selective and anti-competitive practices that have increased in recent years, according to Mr Vogt.

"We have always said we will support good policy, and the part of this proposal that helps start-up businesses based on merit, is a good example of the sort of policy we would like to see more of."

"More broadly we are working progressively to bring affordable cuts in rates, charges and levies for government services and to ensure our tax burden is distributed fairly among ACT residents and businesses."

Contact: Norvan Vogt