Skyrocketing costs and crippling red tape is proving to be a significant barrier for small businesses in South Australia, according to the latest report.
The South Australian Business Chamber today released its March survey which showed business confidence is at its lowest ebb since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The latest South Australian Business Chamber survey results should serve as a serious wake-up call for our party Premier, Peter Malinauskas,” Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia said.
“The results highlight a troubling reality - many local businesses can’t thrive when they’re faced with excessive regulation and payroll tax.”
This is the fourth significant report in the past month pointing to dipping business confidence and a sluggish economy in South Australia.
“The Government will continue to celebrate the value of major events as economic drivers, but the data tells a different story,” Mr Tarzia said.
“With businesses closing at an alarming rate, especially in hospitality, now is the time for action - not complacency.”
The Liberal Opposition has been calling on the Government to lift the current payroll tax threshold from $1.5 million to $2.1 million and has committed to implementing this change if elected in 2026.
“Whether it’s payroll tax, workforce challenges or skyrocketing power and water bills, every small business has a pinch point right now - with some left with no choice but to wind back hours or close their doors altogether,” Shadow Minister for Finance and Tax Reform, Heidi Girolamo said.
“Increasing the current payroll tax threshold is just one common-sense lever that the Government could pull to help alleviate some of the pressure on small businesses but they’re choosing not to act.
“How many small business closures is it going to take before Labor steps up to the plate and helps?”
