Liberal Senate candidate for the ACT Nick Tyrrell is calling on Canberra small business owners to rally outside Parliament House on November 23 over rising costs, taxes and government regulations.

The “Back Off Small Business” rally will bring together tradies, retailers, hospitality operators and other business owners to protest what Tyrrell says is increasing financial pressure from federal and ACT Labor governments.

Tyrrell says changes to payroll tax, superannuation, card surcharges and capital gains tax arrangements are adding to the cost of running a business.

He has also criticised the ACT government’s decision to extend the portable long service leave scheme to hospitality, accommodation, hair and beauty businesses from January 1, with a levy of 1.07 per cent of wages.

The ACT payroll tax-free threshold has also been reduced from $2 million to $1.75 million.

“Running a small business is hard enough without government constantly changing the rules and treating us like their piggy bank,” Tyrrell says.

He says politicians will be invited to meet business owners at the rally during Parliament’s final sitting week of the year.

The rally will be held on the front lawns of Parliament House at 9.30am on Monday, November 23. Business owners, staff and supporters are invited to attend.

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