NSW Govt hits the mark on tax, infrastructure and skills: ARA

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has commended the NSW Government for delivering a budget that focuses on infrastructure, skills, and tax cuts for business, while running $3.4 billion in 2015-16, rising to $3.7 billion in 2016-17, and forecasts surpluses over the next four years averaging $2 billion each year.

ARA Executive Director, Russell Zimmerman, said the NSW State Budget builds on economic strength for the state and should continue strong retail sales growth at the same time as supporting retail businesses, particularly in employing people.

“The just released 2016-17 Budget focuses on delivering infrastructure that communities in NSW need, with long term holes in infrastructure slowly being fixed for the first time in decades,” said Mr Zimmerman.

In 2016-17, the Government is allocating $16.9 billion to transport and roads projects and services, helping to cut congestion and allow faster travel times so workers can spend more time with their families.

“The $100 million Smart, Skilled, and Hired is a package of initiatives to build skills and actively match those most in need of a job, such as young unemployed people, with the sectors that are growing and in need of workers.

“The previously promised removal of the taxes on business transactions is an important step for businesses making decisions to improve their operations, so the economic costs of these taxes are particularly high,” Mr Zimmerman said.

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $293 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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