DUBBO Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association president, Merrilyn Mulcahy has called on the federal government to ensure regional Australia is not forgotten when they hand down their budget on May 12.
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Ms Mulcahy voiced her concerns that regional Australians and the issues they confront will be put on the back burner when Treasurer Joe Hockey delivers his second budget next Tuesday night.
“We need to make sure regional Australia isn’t forgotten about and is factored into all decisions that are made,” Ms Mulcahy said. “The agricultural sector is an area that needs to have great consideration.
“With much of this area in severe drought, I would like to see further assistance offered for farmers and the towns that are affected as droughts of this nature have so many flow-on effects.
Dubbo Chamber of Commerce president Matt Wright is hopeful of a helping hand for small businesses.
“Speaking broadly we would be hoping for some incentives for small business to employ new staff,” Mr Wright said.
“It wouldn’t have to be a monetary offer, but could be to fund training and increase skills for employees.”
Mr Wright revealed he had heard some whispers about a tax cut for small businesses, however the rumoured figure was nothing to get excited about.
“There has been some commentary about tax cuts for small businesses of 1 to 1.5 per cent which seems like a bit of a token gesture,” Mr Wright said. “Any tax cut is welcome but if you think about 1 per cent of $100,000 is only $1000 so its not going to make an overly large difference for a business.”
Mr Wright challenged the government to show some foresight and make decisions that would be beneficial for years to come, not just projects with short-term benefits.
“I like the idea of fast tracking the NBN (National Broadband Network) which will help businesses here and attract metropolitan businesses to regional areas but I don’t like the odds of that happening,” Mr Wright said.
“It would be great to put some money towards infrastructure projects like getting a better road over the Blue Mountains.
“That would take an hour off the trip to Sydney and make regional centres a lot more accessible, increasing the amount of people making weekend trips to places like Dubbo.”
With news the federal government is set to sink $14 billion further into deficit in the next financial year, Ms Mulcahy acknowledges the budget represents a difficult task for the government.
“They have a tough job ahead of them but I expect the government will do what is required to bring the huge debt down while ensuring an even and fair distribution.”
