THE WHITSUNDAYS Chamber of Commerce and Industry acknowledges the Federal Government’s pre-election budget but expresses deep concern over its long-term implications for small businesses and the broader community in our region.
While some funding allocations are welcome, particularly for Bruce Highway improvements, the budget ultimately signals a future of debt and deficit, with increased reliance on personal income tax rather than fostering economic growth and sustainability.
Chamber President Allan Milostic said, “While the investment in infrastructure, cost of living and tax relief is welcome, the budget falls short in delivering targeted support for small businesses.
The budget aims to ‘shape a more affordable Australia’ but what does that look like, what are the knock-on effects for our region’s economy?”
A Budget Built on Debt
Twenty years ago, Australia had a budget surplus and no net debt.
Today, the government forecasts a decade of deficits, meaning hard working Australians and business owners will struggle to get ahead.
Reduced Gross Domestic Product and rising debt translate to a declining standard of living, felt daily at the supermarket and through the loss of financial security for families and businesses.
Missed Opportunities for Small Business
The Chamber supports policies that promote industry growth, job creation and small business security.
Yet, this budget fails to deliver on key priorities for our region, including affordable housing, competitive energy costs, and meaningful tax relief for businesses.
Instead, government policy continues to prioritise excessive spending with little accountability, burdening future generations with increasing debt.
Infrastructure Investment – A Step Forward?
The Chamber welcomes the government’s commitment to fixing the Bruce Highway but remains cautious about its execution and benefits for the Whitsundays.
We call for greater transparency and an audit of actual dollars spent on improving our region’s infrastructure, rather than funnelling funds into consultancy fees and bureaucratic overheads.
What the Whitsundays Needs
The Chamber urges the Federal Government to take decisive action in addressing the real needs of our region:
- Housing availability and affordability: Ensuring workers and families have access to secure, affordable accommodation.
- Business Insurance: To influence necessary change to deliver affordable and attainable insurance for regional Queensland businesses.
- Lower Energy Costs: Supporting businesses and households with policies that reduce power prices.
- Business-Friendly Policies: Reducing red tape and taxation burdens that stifle growth and job creation.
Without genuine support for these fundamental priorities, small businesses and communities will continue to bear the cost of a budget that prioritises short-term spending over long-term prosperity.
“This is clearly a Federal Election budget with further election-related funding promises to come,” Mr Milostic said.
“There is uncertainty about what will be delivered post-election.”
The Chamber will continue advocating its Ten Point Plan across all levels of government, representing a united voice for regional business, with the aim being to strengthen the Whitsundays business environment and ensuring a sustainable economic future.
With a Federal Election soon to be called, the Chamber has invited the Whitsundays business community to share their number one election priority.
These will be addressed with candidates at the Chamber’s forthcoming Meet the Federal Election Candidates event (date to be advised).
Contributed by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
