THE State Government’s business tax reforms are expected to proceed after the Greens (WA) decided to support the changes.
The reform package has been opposed by the coalition because one of the key changes – the adoption of a single rate for payroll tax of six per cent – will result in some small and medium-size businesses paying more in payroll tax.
Greens (WA) economics and finance spokesperson Dee Margetts said she shared that concern. After consulting with business groups, she said she decided to recommend to her party colleagues that the overall package be supported.
“Nobody has come to me with any credible alternative,” she said.
“The business community seems to be saying it would rather have the simplification package in its current form than not at all.”
Ms Margetts said she would be prepared to consider alternative proposals that simplified the current system without adversely affecting small and medium-size firms.