Member for Southern Highlands Peta Seaton learned what's on the mind of local business owners - and their customers - during a stint at two local businesses yesterday.
Ms Seaton lent a hand at the Picton Pharmacy and at Rentquip in Mittagong as part of the State Chamber of Commerce's Pollies for Small Business Day.
As well as teaching Ms Seaton how to drive a scissorlift, Rentquip owner Neil Wallis took the opportunity to brief Ms Seaton on the impact of taxes, superannuation and public liability insurance on his business.
Mr Wallis said public liability insurance premiums for his business had trebled and the paperwork involved had made it necessary to employ an additional staff member.
At the same time, employing additional staff had pushed the business over the payroll tax threshold, he said.
"It's a kick in the guts to put more people on and get nailed for it," he said.
Mr Wallis said taxation implications would be a major consideration if he wanted to buy another shop.
"A reasonable rate of tax is not a problem, but for the last three months we have been running the business from a tax perspective, not a business perspective - and that's sad.
"The more I grow, the harder it gets."
Full story in Friday's Southern Highland News.
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