Figures released by the ABS today (cat. 8165.0) have confirmed Labor’s sustained attack on the small business sector is taking its toll on small business numbers and people in Australia.
In a period dominated by the Labor Government (June 2007- June 2009), the number of small businesses in Australia saw a dramatic fall.
Between June 2007 and June 2009, the number of small businesses (defined as having less than 20 employees) fell by 24,931.
The overwhelming majority of this fall occurred directly on Labor’s watch. Between June 2008 and June 2009, the number of small businesses fell by 20,729.
Small businesses employing 1-4 employees were hit particularly hard, falling 20,383 between 2007 and 2009 and 16,056 in 2008-09 alone.
This unprecedented drop in the small business sector compounds the loss of 300,000 jobs in the small business sector since Labor came to office.
“Labor has no understanding or interest in this sector,” Senator Ryan said today.
“The loss of thousands of small businesses and jobs in the small business sector is a harbinger for our wider economic health. Small business is the economy’s canary – a key leading indicator.”
“The Labor Government’s stubborn intention to saddle small business with extra costs such as the superannuation levy increase and the paperwork burden of being a ‘pay clerk’ for Labor’s flawed parental scheme will only ensure this worrying trend worsens in coming years.”