Monday 21 February 2022
Today’s election promise from the Liberal Party of a two-year payroll extension of tax exemptions for apprentice wages is just the type of thinking the business community needs from its next government. The South Australian Business Chamber welcomes this proposal as it forms part of the South Australian Business Chamber Charter22 pre-election recommendations to encourage businesses to take on trainees.
The South Australian Business Chamber Chief Executive Martin Haese says that a critical solution to the skills crisis here in South Australia is developing the local capability within the companies that need them.
“By waiving payroll tax for two years for businesses whose annual taxable payroll exceed $1.5m is a great start to getting more apprentices and trainees on the books and developing the necessary skills.
“The current payroll tax exemption to boost trainee and apprenticeships is due to expire and we are pleased to hear the Liberals have this plan in place should they be re-elected.
“It is this payroll tax exemption, in addition to the Federal Boosting Apprenticeship Commencement subsidies (due to end on 31 March 2022), that has significantly increased the take up of trainee and apprenticeships in South Australia.
“Imagine if every business in South Australia took on a trainee or apprentice? If this scheme was made permanent and extended to all business by way of payroll tax exemption or direct grant, then that is 50,000 new positions. This will go a long way to reducing our youth unemployment figure and upskilling South Australians.”
The South Australian Business Chamber Director of Policy and Advocacy Kendall Crowe points out the importance of talking about PhDs as part of the skills conversation.
“Another part of the skills conversation is the value that PhD students can add to South Australian businesses to further transform the state economy. There are some big questions being asked and a PhD can extend the research and innovation capacity of businesses.
On behalf of our members and the broader South Australian business community, we ask for the next South Australian Government to consider the commercial viability of research in STEM-related fields and provide a 200% payroll tax exemtion for SMEs.”
Media Contact
Tanya Wilkins
Director, Media & Communication — the South Australian Business Chamber
tanya.wilkins@business-sa.com
0481 744 550
