Chamber wants super, tax separated
TWEED Chamber of Commerce president Rory Curtis has backed the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry call to separate new superannuation legislation from the Mining Tax Bills next year.
The federal government has maintained the mining tax will pay for an increase in employer-funded superannuation contributions from 9% to 12% and coupled them together, but the business community isn't convinced.
Mr Curtis said it was essential the legislation be considered separately, to save employers footing the bill in a suffocated economic climate.
"There's an illusion it will somehow pay for the increase in superannuation, but it's essentially a cost passed onto business," Mr Curtis said.
"In the long term it means that businesses who aren't competitive enough will have to begin outsourcing.
"Businesses can't be expected to absorb this."
Mr Curtis' comments mirror those of John Murray, Northern Rivers NSW Business Chamber regional manager.
"The business community wants a fair hearing on the impact of an increase in superannuation on the financial viability of Australian businesses - not see it rammed through parliament hidden under the shadow of the mining tax," Mr Murray said.
For more, email info@tweedchamber.com.au.
