Stimulation needed to boost business
Small business owner Jerome Ryan was hoping for a lot more from the State Budget than he got, but is happy enough with the result.
Mr Ryan, 44, owner of specialist retail store Camping World Albany, relies on his working income as well as investments in the property market to make ends meet.
He said his family’s living costs, including mortgage, also included the significant costs of running a small business.
Prior to the Budget’s release, Mr Ryan said he would have appreciated any kind of stimulus included with the purpose of reinvigorating retail activity.
“There could have been anything, from tax cuts to subsidies, to free up some cash and stimulate some consumer confidence,” he said.
“The whole (Australian) retail economy is in a slump, for no other reason than a lack of consumer confidence. It’s one of the roles of governments to stimulate things when needed and slow things down at other times – and things don’t need slowing down.”
Mr Ryan supports the increase in utility charges including water and electricity as it “needs to happen”.
“We all use too much of these resources and don’t appreciate it,” he said.
“The price of utilities should reflect their cost. There’s no doubt some people – retired or unemployed – would need support from the Government if they keep increasing, but maybe the people who can afford to pay will cut back on use to avoid paying so much.”
liz.newell@albanyadvertiser.com
