Small Business

Mr TELFER (Flinders) (15:34): My question is to the Minister for Small and Family Business. Will the South Australian economy be stronger or weaker for small business over the next 12 months? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr TELFER: According to the latest South Australian Business Chamber Survey of Business Expectations report, released last week by the South Australian Business Chamber, less than 16 per cent of businesses felt the South Australian economy will be stronger or somewhat stronger within the next 12 months.

The Hon. A. MICHAELS (Enfield—Minister for Small and Family Business, Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, Minister for Arts) (15:34): What that SA Business Chamber report mentioned, as I have alluded to earlier, was a rise in business confidence up 3.4 points from the quarter before. We have also got the State of the States report from CommSec in October 2024, which showed South Australians recording the strongest improvement in real economic growth throughout South Australia. We have also got the Institute of Public Affairs' Ease of Doing Business report, which reveals we have the lowest payroll tax and stamp duty burden of all states. On top of that, we have the Business Council of Australia's chief saying that South Australia is the best place to do business.

So, from our perspective, we are doing everything we can to make a very strong economy. Our businesses are in a very good position compared to other states'. We continue that support and we look forward to a very strong economy in the future.