Payroll tax cuts to benefit small business

SMALL businesses are set to benefit from the recent announcement about cuts to payroll tax in Victoria.

Slashes to red tape will aim to make it easier for owners of cafes, bars and restaurants to apply for licences.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison visited Eleanora cafe and restaurant recently to promote the changes.

These include a lift in the payroll tax threshold meaning more small businesses will not have to pay payroll tax while others will pay a reduced amount.

Applying for a liquor licence will be quicker with businesses no longer needing approval from local councils and Liquor Control Victoria, only the latter.

Temporary changes made during the pandemic to remove the need for a planning permit for outdoor dining will become permanent.

The changes will mean customers can be served in previously underutilised spaces.

The State Government said the moves could create 12,600 new jobs and boost the Victorian economy by up to $50 billion over the next 40 years.

“Ballarat small businesses are the backbone of our regional economy – and these enabling reforms mean more jobs, less red tape, and stronger growth,” said Ms Addison.

“By cutting payroll tax and streamlining liquor licensing, we’re making it easier for local cafes, bars and restaurants to thrive – and that’s great news for business owners, their workers and the entire Ballarat community.”