Your contribution to our economy is crucial and I want to see your business thrive. My team and I are here to assist our business community by providing information, and a direct line to the Australian Government on important issues and policy.
Inside this edition of the quarterly Mackellar business newsletter:
- Canberra is buzzing – stage 3 tax cuts + changes to workplace laws
- Scam awareness info session
- Cyber security assessment for small business
- Cut red tape – Australian Trusted Trader program for importers/exporters
- 100% renewable electricity buyers’ group for Northern Beaches businesses
- I’m listening – business survey.
Sophie
Canberra is buzzing with activity to begin the year!
Stage 3 tax cuts
The Federal Government has overhauled the stage 3 tax cuts to take effect on 1st July. For details on these changes see this Treasury factsheet. While the changes the government announced are a deviation from what was promised, the changes respond to the hardship and mortgage stress many families are facing. It is without a doubt a very different environment to when the cuts were first planned 5 years ago, and the cost-of-living crisis is something that can't be ignored. The changes to the stage 3 tax cuts just feel a lot fairer.
Fair Work Act changes: closing loopholes & right to disconnect
The changes to the Fair Work laws that passed parliament, have ushered in some of the most significant changes to workplace laws in a decade. Details about the new 'right to disconnect' rules and dates of when they come into effect are available here: Closing Loopholes: Additional Fair Work Act changes - Fair Work Ombudsman
During the debate, I stressed the need to not put additional burdens on small business. I would like to hear about your experiences, positive and negative with these new laws. Please get in touch with my office to share your views.
Scam awareness info session
Small business is often targeted by sophisticated scam criminals. In 2023, over $292 million was lost to investment scams alone, an increase of 22.5% compared to the prior year. The National Anti-Scam Centre was established in 2023 to help address this growing problem by collecting reports about scams, to help warn and take action to stop scams. See up-to-date information from the Centre on scam news and alerts to help you spot and avoid scams.
Being informed and aware on how to protect ourselves from these sophisticated organised criminals is important for us all.
I'll be hosting the National Anti-Scam Centre to present an information session on how we can be alert to the dangers of scammers so we can avoid falling victim to them.
NSW Police Crime Prevention Officers of Northern Beaches Area Command will also be present to provide information.
Space is limited –please RSVP by Monday 11 March 2024 to secure your place.
WHEN - Thursday 14th March 10:30am - 12:30pm
WHERE - Ted Blackwood Community Centre
Corner Jacksons Rd and Boondah Rd
Warriewood, NSW 2102
Cyber security - are you at risk?
Cybercrime is a major challenge for small businesses. Protect your business from online threats — Australian Cyber Security Centre has information on how to protect your business against common cyber threats to avoid potential devastating impacts on your business. The new Cyber Security Assessment Tool can also help to identify your business cyber strengths and areas where your business can improve. Completing the tool questions will take an average of 20 minutes, you will need your ABN and you will receive a list of recommendations to action.
Cut red tape at the border - Australian Trusted Trader program
Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) is a government program designed to streamline international trade. ATT reduces red tape at the border, improves certainty in export markets, and expedites the flow of your cargo in and out of Australia—which means faster access to market.
To be eligible, you must demonstrate:
- you have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- you are financially solvent
- you have been active in the international supply chain for at least two years
- you are an importer/exporter/service provider of physical goods.
It’s free to apply. Find out more about the Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) program.
100% renewable electricity buyers’ group for Northern Beaches businesses
Northern Beaches Council is hosting an information session to launch the Business Green Energy's 100% renewable electricity offer for local business and organisations. This buyer’s group is offering 100% renewable clean energy for businesses who use over 100MWh/year.
The session will include:
- Overview of Power Purchase Agreements
- Outline the details of the energy offer from Business Green Energy/Iberdrola (one of the world's global leaders in clean energy)
- What's in it for you
- Opportunity to pose any questions you have regarding the project.
WHEN – Tuesday 7th March 7:30-8.30pm
WHERE – Glen Street Theatre
Cnr Glen Street, Blackbutts Rd,
Belrose NSW 2085
I'm listening - business survey
In December I launched my 2023/24 Mackellar Business Survey. Thank you to those businesses who provided their valuable insights. I was most interested in hearing not only your concerns but also potential solutions. The survey helped me prepare my submission to the government in advance of the 2024 Federal Budget.
What you’re told me so far:
- Rising costs, followed by government regulations are the most common concerns
- Insurance is the main rising cost of concern for 62% of respondents
- Only 12% of respondents were aware of government support initiatives other than the instant asset write-off.
I have raised your concerns about rising cost of insurance and have urged the government to fund an inquiry into this issue, like the inquiry into supermarket prices. I have also raised a number of measures to make the conversion to cheaper renewable solar power more affordable. For households and businesses, including urging the government to provide more support for batteries.
I would still like to hear from you – please complete the business survey
Business incentives and grants mentioned in the survey include:
Instant Asset write off up to $20,000
Tax rebate up to $20,000 for new energy efficient equipment
Small Business Digital Solutions Program
Keep informed and get alerts for available business support including grants, rebates, incentives, training courses and more, by signing up for the Mackellar Grant Finder.
I will also be hosting a business round table in 2024 to gain an in-depth understanding of the issues you are facing. If you would like to be involved in these vital meetings, please register your expression of interest.
Here to Help
As your Independent Member, I am accountable to you, the community. It’s crucial that I hear from you so I can raise your concerns when I am in Parliament. I will:
- Listen to your needs on issues that matter to you
- Seek your input on legislation that impacts you
- Raise issues in Parliament
- Work with the Government to develop the policy that supports business.