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Mr THOMAS GEORGE (Lismore) [5.57 p.m.]: I wish to raise several issues in relation to the operation of small businesses in this State. Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending some time with Chris and Angela Albertini, who run Chris Albertini Automotive. Chris and Angela sent me a copy of a letter they wrote to the Minister for Small Business, the Hon. David Campbell. The letter is one of the most detailed documents I have seen compiled by such a small business operation. Angela and Chris have certainly put a lot of thought into the document, which is their submission to the review of the motor vehicle retailing and services sector.
In their letter to the Minister, Angela and Chris Albertini point out the problems associated with running a small business in this State. I will list the headings commented upon in the letter, and if I have time I will detail the matters referred to. The headings include workers compensation, occupational health and safety, new regulations, regulatory controls, ridiculous regulations, recordkeeping, State government taxation, capital gains tax, and vocational training. Some of the matters referred to relate to the Federal sphere but most relate to State problems associated with running a small business. Other headings include recruitment of staff; skills shortage; small business advocate; commercial developments, including residential land developments; and no more welfare services to be administered by small business. I will touch on a few of those items. Under the heading "New Regulations", Ms Albertini stated:
I recently found out that apprenticeship incentives paid to employers is no longer subject to GST. This information was discovered by me buried in an article in "My Business" magazine which I am sure not every small business operator has the time or inclination to read. Where was my direct mail from DETNAC, with whom I currently have an apprenticeship indenture, to inform me in an accurate and timely manner that I will not have to pay GST on future apprenticeship incentives. It might possibly arrive in a couple of years when we are ready to complete the apprenticeship. Incentives are a big factor in our decision to employ more apprentices at present. This lack of communication and information is not helpful for small business at all.In this House we continually hear Government members speak about the GST this State is missing out on. Under the heading "State Government Taxation", Ms Albertini makes the comment:
In relation to the State of Queensland obtaining a larger slice of GST revenue from the Federal Government, I would argue that the State Government of New South Wales should also ensure taxes levied in the northern region of New South Wales are returned to the northern region and not to the greater Sydney metropolitan area. The northern region of New South Wales is set for major population growth in coming years (many baby-boomers relocating from Sydney), and the infrastructure necessary to support these new people is sadly lacking.
I agree that the taxes should be returned to the northern region. I could go on but, sadly, my speaking time does not allow me to do that. However, I congratulate Chris and Angela Albertini on the work they are doing in their business. More important, I commend them for taking time out of their busy schedule to put together this detailed submission. I trust that the Minister for Small Business will review and address the problems they have raised.
Mr PAUL McLEAY (Heathcote—Parliamentary Secretary) [6.02 p.m.]: I thank the honourable member for Lismore for drawing the attention of the House to the important review by the Minister for Small Business of red tape in small business, particularly the automotive industry. I thank the honourable member's constituents for providing a detailed submission to that review. The Minister for Small Business spoke to Jim Bisset of Engadine Auto Spares in my electorate, who raised similar issues regarding regulations, red tape and recordkeeping. The automotive industry is important to the people of New South Wales. This review is particularly important to those involved in small business, as are most of those who work in the automotive industry. I encourage all members to take advantage of the review conducted by the Minister for Small Business.