Labors secret new levy on business

Reports today that the Gillard Government has a secret plan to impose another new levy on business represents a clear broken promise, according to Christopher Pyne, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training.

"A leaked government policy reveals business will have to pay an additional $5000 per overseas employee on top of existing costs to fund training programs," Mr Pyne said.

"Immigration Minister, Chris Evans, promised less than two months ago that there would be no new taxes or levies on business for training, but no one would be surprised that this Government has again broken a clear promise, they simply can't be trusted on anything," he said.

When business can't find Australians to do the necessary work, particularly in mining and construction, it is perfectly reasonable for them to bring in overseas workers. Business already contributes significant funds towards training Australians in exchange for this privilege.

An additional $5000 per worker may make it too expensive for business and current projects in the mining and construction industry will have to stop or be delayed. Reports indicate this new levy could raise more than $155 million.

This Government has so damaged our budget bottom line that they have to grab Australian business by the legs and shake until every last cent falls out.

"Labor's trifecta of taxes, a carbon tax, a mining tax, and this new business tax, will cause a trifecta of pain, forcing business overseas, increasing the cost of living at the same time as destroying jobs," Mr Pyne said.

April 15, 2011

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