“ACT has today released our suite of SME policies which will boost the economy, empower small business owners to take
chances, and get more people into work,” say ACT Leader David Seymour and SME spokesperson Chris Baillie.
“Only ACT has a comprehensive plan for economic recovery which will keep debt low, cut taxes and get New Zealand back to
surplus, all while keeping people in work,” says Mr Seymour.
“Seven out of ACT’s top 10 candidates are business owners. We understand the pressures that business owners are under
and how to create sensible, practical policies which support them.”
“Covid-19 has hurt our small businesses. Through no fault of their own they were forced by the Government to shut down
and have had major restrictions placed on them which have limited their earning potential,” says Mr Baillie.
“Covid-19 also showed how Government puts small business to the back of the bus. While supermarket chains who retain
lobbyists in Wellington were given a pass, people were forced to drive past their local butcher, baker and greengrocer,
which were all shut.
“Lockdowns have had a huge impact on our economy. It’s only right that Government now creates policies which supports
SMEs to not just get back on their feet but go on to thrive.
Our SME Policy includes:Introducing accelerated depreciation of assetsPlacing a three-year moratorium on minimum wage increasesReducing GST from 15 percent to 10 percent for a 12-month periodReinstating 90-day trials for all businessesDirecting a larger portion of apprenticeships funding for businessesPrioritise and streamline the immigration process for skilled workersMoving NZ Trade and Enterprise into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TradeStreamlining the employee personal grievance processEnsuring employees are responsible for their actions under the Health and Safety at Work Act rather than placing all the
onus on the employer
“Starting a business is incredibly brave and involves taking huge risks. ACT will support businesses that take a chance,
make policies to get more people into work and help get the New Zealand economy moving again.”
A link to our SME plan is available here