Two significant things happened last week and while one is good and one is bad, both will affect businesses in our local community.

Last week, I was pleased to join with local dignitaries at the launch of the Small Business Summit Greater Western Sydney, organised by the Sydney Hills Business Chamber. This fantastic event, to be held on Wednesday, 14^th August, 2013 at the Hillsong Convention Centre, will bring together people from all avenues of business, public service and government from across 16 chambers of commerce. Topics of discussion will include government plans that affect growth in the region, obstacles to doing business in GWS and forms of support available to small business in Western Sydney. Tickets can be purchased online. Be sure to book soon to secure your seat!

By contrast, the Rudd-Gillard Government’s attack on fringe benefits tax (FBT) will result in an increased regulatory burden on small business and place increased pressure on families across Western Sydney. It is estimated that this blatant tax grab will hit those with a car as part of their salary package on average by $1,400 a year. If you are a sales rep with a company car, a nurse or a teacher with a salary-packaged vehicle then this decision is bad news for you and your family. Small business is carrying much of the burden of 21,000 new regulations as well as the carbon tax and these changes to FBT have come at the worst possible time. The Coalition will not proceed with these changes if elected because we understand the huge cost of living pressures affecting families and businesses across the nation