SA Business Journal

ANDREW KAY: Fighting for business since 1839

Andrew Kay
Tuesday, June 6th 2023

As an independent member-funded organisation, the South Australian Business Chamber, South Australia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, provides a comprehensive range of products and services catering to the needs of a dynamic and diverse business community. With a history dating back to 1839, we have evolved over time and continue to refine our offerings.

Today, our purpose is clear. To create opportunity and remove complexity for business. We achieve this by connecting business owners through networking events, providing expert advice on industrial relations matters, delivering valuable learning programmes, supporting businesses as they seek to explore new markets, and in an area that often goes unnoticed, we provide a voice for business on matters that will have a material effect on how they operate in South Australia. 

Our policy and advocacy work is not always the most public of our services, but it is at the heart of why chambers of commerce have existed for hundreds of years across the globe. 

As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, you contribute to an organisation dedicated to supporting all SA businesses. Financial contributions enable a team of policy and advocacy experts to work toward establishing South Australia as the premier place for conducting business.

For 184 years, the Chamber of Commerce has advocated for a political environment that fosters growth and opportunity for business. When new laws are being considered that will impact business, we have a seat at the table, we are part of the conversation, and our voice is heard. It is here our role as an independent body is vitally important, as when government decisions look set to hinder business, we will oppose them in the interests of our members and all businesses across the state.

Earlier this year, we provided 15 recommendations to the State Government for consideration for its June budget, seeking to boost economic prosperity while remaining cognisant of the government’s tight fiscal position, in the wake of support given during the pandemic, bushfires and floods.

The South Australian Business Chamber has been a longstanding advocate for tax reform. Businesses have repeatedly told us that payroll tax is the most restrictive state-based tax, which is why we continue advocating for change. 

In our pre-budget submission, we recommended increasing the payroll tax threshold. It seems reasonable that if payroll is increasing due to factors outside of the control of business, then the payroll tax threshold should also rise. This adjustment would empower businesses on the verge of surpassing the current threshold to thrive without fear of crossing that line and putting jobs at risk. On the same subject, we proposed granting a 50% payroll tax discount to regional businesses to encourage growth and investment, and to support existing businesses to remain competitive with their neighbours, especially those bordering Victoria.

Advocacy takes planning, patience, perseverance, and it does not always deliver quick wins. We use various forums ranging from roundtable discussions to surveys to help inform our positions. We seek the views of business, and we ensure their collective voice is heard. 

As South Australia’s peak business body, representing every industry sector, we are the only SA organisation advocating in the interest of all businesses, and I am certain we are stronger for it. 

When planning your budget for the next financial year, give thought to joining, or continuing your South Australian Business Chamber membership. Not only will you enjoy the many associated benefits, but you will also be supporting the sustainability of your Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

Together, we can make South Australia the best place to do business. 

Author

Andrew Kay

Chief Executive Officer
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