In the News
The Coalition will relieve the red tape burden from Australia’s small businesses by giving them the option to remit the compulsory superannuation payments made on behalf of workers directly to the ATO, said the Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP.
“Small businesses are vital to our local and national economy, as well as being an enormous source of local employment,” Mr Hawke said. “We must continually be looking for ways to help small business get ahead.
“This practical measure will help to address the increasing red tape burden small businesses are facing.
“For small business men and women, less paperwork means higher profits, boosted sales, and more time with the family.”
Through this measure small businesses will be given the option to remit superannuation payments to the ATO at the same time as they remit their PAYG payments.
This will require only one payment to one agency – rather than multiple cheques to multiple superannuation funds. The ATO will be responsible for sending the money to superannuation funds directly.
This measure will also help to increase compliance with employer superannuation obligations and make it easier for workers to ensure that their retirement money is being paid as it should.
“This initiative builds on the Coalition’s strong track record in supporting small business,” Mr Hawke said.
“We have also committed to reducing the regulatory costs to all businesses by at least $1 billion a year and to not change current laws relating to the treatment of personal services income.”
Mr Hawke said that at last year’s election the Liberal National Coalition promised a fairer deal for small business with initiatives including:
· a separate Minister for Small Business in the Cabinet;
· small business impact statements for proposed new laws;
· extending unfair contract provisions from consumers to small business; and
· the establishment of a special ombudsman to be an advocate for small business inside government and working with regulatory authorities to improve access to small business finance.
“If we want a stronger and more cohesive community, we need stronger and more prosperous small businesses,” Mr Hawke said.
18 May 2011
The Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke, is encouraging voluntary organisations in Hills community to apply for the 2011 round of Volunteer Grants.
Volunteer grants were first introduced by the Howard Government in recognition of the valuable contribution voluntary groups make to the community. 2011 marks the tenth year of their operation. The grants provide funding of between $1,000 and $5,000 to voluntary organisations to:
· Purchase portable, tangible, small equipment items to help volunteers
· Contribute to the reimbursement of fuel costs for their volunteers who use their own car to transport others to activities, deliver food and assist people in need
· Contribute to the reimbursement of transport costs incurred by volunteers with disability who are unable to drive
· Contribute to the costs of training courses and/or undertake background screening checks for volunteers.
“Volunteers and voluntary organisations have helped shape Australia through their work in the community,” Mr Hawke said.
“These grants will provide welcome support to voluntary organisations in the Hills community.”
Applications for the grants close on the 8th June.
For further information on Volunteer Grants, call 1800 183 374 or email vg2011@fahcsia.gov.au