Eastern Victoria Region
[NAMES AWAITING VERIFICATION]
Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:52): (1522) My question is for the Treasurer. Our state is home to more than 30,000 hospitality businesses, which have been the backbone of our service-based economy. But in recent years they have reached breaking point, with almost 600 hospitality businesses in Victoria closing last year due in part to the soaring taxes in this state. In my own electorate, several hospitality businesses are struggling, including Coffee On Bate, which is near my office. Co-owner Davy and his daughter Jenni have shared firsthand how increasing supplier costs combined with payroll tax, WorkCover premiums and rising utility bills have hurt their business. He said:
Customers are not happy, because they don’t want to spend more and we are trying to keep the prices reasonable. Businesses around me are really suffering because the bills have gone up.
Treasurer, will you join me in meeting with the Shadow Treasurer to discuss how we can reduce financial burdens on businesses like this?