'Wish list' for WA election

The high cost of living, staff shortages, compliance costs and housing shortages are among the main challenges facing the Esperance business community, according to Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Grant Shipp.

Mr Shipp and chamber president Melisa Rowe recently discussed these and other issues with State politicians from all the major parties, along with representatives from other regional chambers throughout Western Australia.

He said the general economic conditions were also a concern.

“The key issues discussed were many and varied, however, they all centred around the issue of ensuring regional development remain a strong concern of the State Government,” he said.

The chambers of commerce also lobbied to raise the payroll tax threshold, reduce compliance costs, both financial and time spent doing paperwork, on small business and government commitments to buying locally.

“There are many challenges facing the business community in regional Western Australia,” Mr Shipp said.

“These are complex issues and the chamber is working on many fronts in an endeavour to overcome them.”