Russell Zimmerman
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Abbott tipped to dump company tax cut for small business
4:37AM | Wednesday, 24 AprilAbove: Opposition leader Tony Abbott. The Liberal Party will abandon its promise to cut company tax by 1.5%, should it be elected, new reports have suggested, disappointing business groups which have long called for a cut in this tax rate. Opposition Leader Tony Abbott (pictured above) has consistently said he would fund a $3.3 billion parental leave scheme by raising company tax a further 1.5% on the biggest 3,200 companies while introducing a cut of the same size for other businesses. In net terms, this would have resulted in companies outside the top 3,200 having a company tax rate of 28.5%, down from the current 29%. But now, sources have told The Australian Financial Review a 1.5% tax decrease was still possible, but unlikely. This would mean the top 3,200 companies are slugged with an extra tax but other businesses would receive no relief. A spokesperson for Shadow Small Business Minister Bruce Billson told SmartCompany commitments can only be made based on the latest information. “As of the last budget we believe that we can introduce a modest cut to company tax,” he says. “Unlike the Government we will not make reckless spending promises without taking into account changing budget forecasts and a deteriorating budget position.” The move, if it is accurate, is sure to disappoint businesses. The business community reacted negatively last year to the Government’s announcement it would abandon a company tax cut for SMEs. Abbott yesterday reaffirmed his commitment to the paid parental leave scheme and said it would be funded by increasing the company tax rate for Australia’s largest 3,200 companies. “It's been a signature policy of ours since early 2010 and I want this important reform to be one of the things for which an incoming Coalition government is remembered,” he said. “I want to stress that this isn't just a women's issue, it's not just a families issue, it's an economic issue and if we can get more women productively into the workforce, that's good for the economy as well good for families as well as good for society.” Earlier this year SmartCompany investigated the policy changes small business leaders wanted to see this year and a cut in the company tax rate was a regular feature. SmartCompany contacted the executive director of the Council of Small Businesses of Australia, Peter Strong, but he was unavailable to comment prior to publication. Executive director of the Australian Retailers Association, Russell Zimmerman, previously told SmartCompany changes to the current tax system are needed. “If there are good reasons to make changes, changes that make more economic sense, then surely we should make those changes,” he said. Chief executive of the Australian Industry Group, Innes Willox, was quoted in The Australian Financial Review as saying there were “deep concerns” about Abbott’s parental leave scheme. He said the proposal would, “put a huge additional cost on bigger companies”. “At times like these businesses need reductions on cost burdens, not new ones”. The move comes alongside an admission from the Opposition the budget may not return to surplus for some time, with Opposition Treasurer Joe Hockey signalling a longer than expected wait. “We are not going to go down the path of austerity simply to bring the budget back to surplus because it would end up being a temporary surplus, depending on how big the deficit is that we inherit,” he said yesterday. Earlier this year Hockey pledged on ABC Radio’s AM program the budget would be returned to surplus in the first year of governing, “and every year after that”. This story first appeared on SmartCompany.
Easter spending set to hit $3bn: Three key trends to get your teeth into
3:37PM | Wednesday, 27 MarchPremium chocolate brands and craft beers are among the firm favourites for Easter this year, with Australians set to spend more than $3 billion opting for at-home celebrations over overseas getaways, according to a new report. IBISWorld says that Australian consumers are opting for a “back to basics” Easter this year, with traditional celebrations at home taking precedence over overseas trips and restaurant meals. Across the four-day Easter break, IBISWorld forecasts Australians will spend more than $3 billion, equating to $132.85 per capita – a slight increase on the $130.33 per capita Australians spent last year. The findings are in line with the latest Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence rating, which shows consumer confidence is up to 122 points – 11.4 points higher than at the same time a year ago. Here are some of the key trends and tips for Easter spending in 2013: More discerning chocolate-lovers In 2013, expenditure on chocolate and confectionery is expected to grow by 5.2% to reach $185.7 million. However, many Australians will choose dark, organic chocolate over traditional favourites. “Australians are becoming increasingly health conscious – a trend that has resulted in growing demand for low-fat and low-sugar treats,” says IBISWorld general manager Karen Dobie. “Dark chocolate is expected to be a popular choice this Easter… Sustainability will also be on people’s minds, with fair trade chocolate tipped to be a favoured gift.” In addition to dark and fair trade chocolates, Dobie anticipates consumers’ love of luxury will also come to the fore, with brands such as Lindt and Haigh’s enjoying increasing demand. Seafood fare matched with a premium drop Since many people plan on celebrating Easter at home, Dobie says supermarkets and butchers can expect a boost in spending on traditional barbeque fare, while fishmongers and liquor retailers will also do well. IBISWorld anticipates fish and seafood expenditure to enjoy growth of around 4.9%, with seafood extending its popularity from Good Friday – when many Australians abstain from eating red meat – to Easter Sunday. Meanwhile, alcohol spending is forecast to hit $137.6 million, with imported wines, cider and craft beers tipped as firm favourites. Overall, IBISWorld anticipates food and beverage spending will reach $1.55 billion – a 3.6% increase on last year’s outlay. Russell Zimmerman, executive director of the Australian Retailers Association, says food retailers need to think about how best to promote their products. “If you’re a general store selling Easter bunnies, you should be predominantly displaying them,” Zimmerman says. “There’s also an opportunity there to perhaps market your Easter bunnies with another product. It’s not just about Easter bunnies – it’s about doing something else to sell with it. “Try and add that extra product in that you want to try and promote.” Similarly, retail guru Debra Templar, of The Templar Group, says bag-stuffers are an ideal way to boost sales. Domestic travel trumps overseas getaways This year, IBISWorld forecasts Easter holiday and travel spending will grow by just 3.9%. However, domestic travel will be more popular than short breaks overseas. “This year most of us will be limited to domestic destinations – using the break to visit family and friends rather than splurging on international trips,” Dobie says. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australians spent approximately 5% more on overseas travel during the past Christmas holidays than in 2011. This suggests Australians will be reining in their spending during subsequent holiday periods, including Easter. “Easter falling outside of the school holidays in some states will also have an impact on international travel,” says Dobie.
An industry wishlist for Small Business Commissioner Mark Brennan – and his take on things
3:13AM | Thursday, 14 MarchIt’s only been a few weeks since Mark Brennan stepped into his role as the inaugural Australian small business commissioner, following the announcement of his appointment in October.
Fair Work changes coming, business hesitant over flexible working rights
3:54AM | Friday, 15 MarchSmall business has expressed its hesitation over the federal government's planned expansion of flexible workplace laws, saying they could threaten the viability of businesses in certain industries and place undue pressure on struggling SMEs.
Business groups fear policy paralysis following election announcement
1:46AM | Thursday, 31 JanuaryYesterday’s announcement of the 2013 federal election date garnered a largely positive response from business groups, but there are now concerns about “policy paralysis” within government.
GST threshold change unlikely to impact overseas web purchases: Report
3:21AM | Monday, 11 MarchAlmost 80% of Australian consumers oppose reductions to the GST-free threshold on overseas online purchases, but any change will do little to quell their appetite to spend, new research reveals.
Retailers rejoice over extended trading after November sales slide
3:14AM | Monday, 11 MarchNew retail sales figures show sales slid by 0.1% in November, but the December figures could see a significant turnaround after retailers sang the praises of extended trading hours.
Gen X pips Boomers to lead online retail spending
3:13AM | Monday, 11 MarchGeneration X remains the key generational group for online spending, according to analysis by NAB, with an industry expert attributing the finding to Gen X’s easy access to technology.
Retailers handed new year security warning
3:12AM | Monday, 11 MarchThe start of a new year is the ideal time for retailers to review their security measures, says the Australian Retailers Association, which claims that theft costs the industry $7.5 billion a year.
Four business sectors cashing in during Australia's heat wave
3:12AM | Monday, 11 MarchWhile the country may be sweltering through some of the hottest days ever recorded, some businesses are actually enjoying some success as the mercury rises.
Carbon tax has damaged eight in 10 retailers, industry body claims
3:21AM | Monday, 11 MarchThe carbon tax has been dragged into the spotlight once again, with a new survey by the peak retail body showing 80% of businesses say they have been negatively impacted by the tax.
Start-ups put on festive notice following gift card warning
3:04AM | Monday, 11 MarchStart-ups planning to offer gift cards this Christmas have been urged to include all the necessary information, after NSW Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts issued a warning to consumers over misrepresentation.
Franchise council launches professional accreditation program
3:13AM | Monday, 11 MarchThe Franchise Council of Australia has partnered with a US organisation to launch a professional accreditation program, described as a “must” for franchisors, franchisees and suppliers.
Gerry Harvey says many retailers to collapse post-Christmas
3:31AM | Monday, 11 MarchGerry Harvey is at it again. The retail veteran has predicted gloomy times ahead for the retail industry, saying that while the upcoming Christmas will be a bright spot for many companies, the aftermath will be worse.
Niche focus helps eyeclarity take out Independent Retailer of the Year award
3:32AM | Monday, 11 MarchA host of retailers have claimed titles at the 2012 Australian Retail Awards including Oroton, Pandora, Lenard’s Chicken and eyeclarity, which was named Independent Retailer of the Year.
Retailers ignore executives' calls to abandon GST fight
3:14AM | Monday, 11 MarchThe retail campaign to make online purchases subject to GST has been dealt a heavy blow, with prominent executives saying companies should give up the fight and accept it'll never happen.
Unions dictate unfair dismissal reforms, business groups say
3:43AM | Tuesday, 12 MarchBusinesses are critical of the limited change to unfair dismissal provisions announced by the Federal Government yesterday, claiming unions have been effectively given a "veto right" on reform.
Five ways to get the most out of the Christmas spending rush
10:11AM | Tuesday, 16 OctoberIt’s October and already retailers are adorning their shop fronts with Christmas paraphernalia. In fact, David Jones has been selling Christmas trees and decorations since mid-August.
Reserve Bank cuts cash rate to 3.25% as 2013 outlook weakens
3:00AM | Tuesday, 12 MarchThe Reserve Bank has lowered the official interest rate by 25 basis points, admitting the growth outlook for next year looks “a little weaker” on the back of international developments.
Home-based businesses warned over card fraud threat
9:22AM | Wednesday, 26 SeptemberHome-based businesses and other small online retailers have been issued a warning from the payments industry body, which has launched a new program to help combat online card fraud.
