Media Release

The Queensland State Leader of The Australian Party, Aidan McLindon along with Federal Leader Bob Katter, today announced the Party’s policy increasing the payroll tax free threshold in Queensland to $2 million in order to position Queensland’s economy for strong growth.

"Queensland is failing to compete effectively against the other states and these payroll tax reforms will allow small Queensland businesses to expand by removing this tax on wages and jobs," said Mr McLindon.

"This will provide immediate assistance to more than 7,000 businesses which are currently taxed in this threshold, as well as providing an incentive for the many thousands of small businesses which have not expanded because of the impact payroll tax has on growth."

"These reforms will make Queensland the most attractive state in Australia for businesses to invest in and this will ensure that Queensland is well positioned to continue its growth when the mining boom inevitably ends. These reforms are about long-term growth in Queensland and limiting the impact of the two-speed economy."

Mr Katter stated that a core principle of the Australian Party was to develop a modern mixed economic system to ensure economic growth and full employment.

"Australians are losing jobs every day and it is terrible to see the impact of closing steel smelters and airlines moving overseas. The time for lazy governments living off quick dollars from quarrying activity is over and it is time to provide real incentives for businesses to operate in Queensland and Australia," said Mr Katter.

"Reducing this tax on jobs will help the struggling tourism and manufacturing sectors and help to keep jobs and expertise in Australia."