SMALL BUSINESS

177 Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite) (30 November 2010) (First Session). With reference to Budget Paper 4, volume 1, page 2.7, Highlights 2009-10, Small Business sector—How was the Small Business sector assisted by the release of the South Australian Small Business Statement and did this assist them to reduce their land tax and payroll tax liabilities?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business): I am advised that the Small Business Statement was released in October 2009 with the endorsement of the Business Development Council. The objective of the Statement was to outline the activities the Government has put in place to foster a successful small business climate.

It encapsulates the State Government's commitment to providing the most supportive business environment in Australia, in which small business may grow and prosper.

The Statement includes initiatives taken by the Government to improve the environment in which small businesses operate. These include:

Further reduction of government red tape;

Reduced business costs and State Government taxes, including payroll tax;

Building capacity through workforce development and skills training;

Offering targeted services that support specific needs;

Providing a 'voice' for small business in developing Government policy;

Fostering innovation and creativity; and

Increasing export capacity.

Under this government, taxes will have been reduced by an estimated $4.6 billion on a cumulative basis by 2013-14 despite the negative revenue impacts of the Global Financial Crisis.