VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone said the organisation welcomes today’s announcement by the State Government of a cut to the payroll tax rate to 4.85% from 1 July 2014.

"VECCI has consistently called for Governments to do what they can to reduce the cost of doing business and today’s announcement will benefit 39,000 employers and their 1.6 million employees, with a total saving of over $234 million for business over 4 years," he said.

"While ensuring Victoria retains the second lowest payroll tax rate in Australia, this cut to payroll tax also means that Victorian businesses with a payroll of between $4.7 million and $26.7 million will now pay the lowest payroll taxes in Australia.

"With lower costs of doing business delivered by this payroll tax cut, Victorian employers will receive a boost that helps stimulates growth and increases the incentive to employ more people. 

"Combined with the major infrastructure announcements and a strong budgetary position underpinned by the forecast surplus of $1.3 billion, the attraction of doing business in Victoria will be enhanced by this payroll tax cut."

*

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the peak body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

www.vecci.org.au

ends

THE Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) congratulates the competition watchdog the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for its launch of legal proceedings against Coles for its alleged treatment of 200 suppliers.

The ACCC issued proceedings in the Federal Court based on allegations the retail giant engaged in unconscionable conduct under the unconscionable conduct under the Active Retail Collaboration program which Coles established in 2011. The ACCC will argue that the behaviour of Coles breached Australian Consumer Law.

COSBOA Executive Director, Peter Strong today said that the behaviour of large retail companies has been a huge issue for the small businesses of Australia for a very long time.

COSBOA congratulates the ACCC on having the strength to undertake this legal campaign. We acknowledge their decision to take this very important action especially against a company with significant resources.

“This action by the ACCC sends a strong message to the supermarket and retail sectors. It says that regardless of your size you will be held accountable for your actions and the affect this has on businesses everywhere,” said Mr Strong.

In a statement released today, ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said, “The conduct of Coles alleged by the ACCC in these proceedings was capable of causing significant detriment to small suppliers’ businesses. This could have resulted in these businesses becoming less able to plan and less able to innovate in the market, with resulting reduced economic efficiency and consumer detriment."

The statement further explained: “The ACCC is seeking pecuniary penalties, declarations, injunctions and costs."

These proceedings arise from a broader investigation by the ACCC into allegations that supermarket suppliers were being treated inappropriately by the major supermarket chains. That broader investigation is continuing.

"The matter is listed for a directions hearing in Melbourne on 6 June 2014.”

 www.cosboa.org.au

ends

Chief Executive Mark Stone says VECCI welcomes the State Government’s announced $30 million package to support workers in the automotive industry and supply chains impacted by the announced closures of automotive manufacturing operations in Victoria.

This initiative complements the recently announced $155 million in funding by the Federal Government, in conjunction with the State Government, with specific state measures to support affected workers and their communities to reskill and secure meaningful employment in allied industries.

"We are pleased to have been involved in this initiative through the Premier’s roundtable on the transitioning automotive industry, as a skilled workforce is vital to the overall strength of our economy," Mr Stone said.

"We applaud the State Government for prioritising measures to create a smarter Victoria and look forward to the confirmation of funding in the 2014 – 15 state budget."

*

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the peak body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

www.vecci.org.au

ends

VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone welcomes the State Government’s announced Murray Basin Rail Project and upgrades to country freight rail lines.

"These projects will facilitate the movement of freight around the state and enhance north-western Victoria’s access to the ports of Portland, Geelong and Melbourne for export opportunities," he said.

"This is a positive outcome for the agribusiness sector, including the grain industry, and VECCI has been calling for enhancements to rail on behalf of our members and regional business.

"Strong regional economies are vital to the overall health of our state, and we applaud the State Government for prioritising this initiative in the 2014-15 state budget. 

"VECCI looks forward to the prioritisation of many more infrastructure projects in tomorrow’s budget that will strengthen Victoria’s economic competitiveness."

*

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the peak body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

www.vecci.org.au

ends