Small business has long been recognised as the engine-room of the Tasmanian economy which is why the Hodgman Liberal Government welcomes assistance for this job creating sector in the Federal Budget.
Tasmania has 36,000 small businesses employing more than 105,000 people so cuts in company tax and incentives to re-tool and buy new plant and equipment will be an important boost.
We also welcome the Budget doubling the cash incentives for Tasmanian companies to hire older workers on welfare as an important way of getting people back into the workforce.
The Tasmanian Government is already committed to backing local businesses to help create more Tasmanian jobs and stimulate growth.
We are already helping this sector with a Local Benefits Test for Government tenders which has seen an increase in local companies winning these tenders. Additionally we have held forums for more than 150 Tasmanian companies so that they can learn how better to quote for Government business.
We have also introduced the $2 million Small Business Jobs Bonus which will see Tasmanian small businesses paid $1000 for each new full-time position they create between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015.
Already, as at the end of April 2015,118 jobs have been created.
Combined with the federal scheme, small businesses will be able to access between $1000 and $17,500 for new employees depending on their age and unemployment circumstances.
Finally, our Small Business Jobs Package also included a successful $100,000 Buy Local campaign which honoured a pre-election commitment.
Small business is vital to the future growth and prosperity of the Tasmanian economy and it has the full backing of the Hodgman Liberal Government.
Adam Brooks, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Trade
