LNP’s Deb Frecklington calls for coronavirus payroll tax break

Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington has urged the state government to dump its plan to defer payroll tax for small and medium businesses and instead grant a tax exemption as coronavirus fears rise.

THOUSANDS of Queensland businesses would be given a six month break from paying payroll tax under a soon to be announced state Opposition plan.

As Annastacia Palaszczuk and other premiers meet Scott Morrison to discuss further stimulus measures, the Opposition has urged the state to dump its plan to defer payroll tax for small and medium businesses and instead grant a tax exemption. 

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Ms Palaszczuk will use the COAG summit to call for more funding for Queensland’s health system to fight the virus and for the tourism sector, which is being hit hard, a government source said.

Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said the Palaszczuk Governments changes to defer payment for six months would not be enough to support businesses through the coronavirus crisis. Picture: LNP

The State Government has already changed payroll tax rules to allow businesses with a wages bill up to $6.5 million a year to defer payment for six months. 

But Opposition leader Deb Frecklington said this would not be enough to support businesses through the coronavirus crisis.

“We can’t let a health crisis become a jobs crisis as well,” Ms Frecklington said.

The Opposition argues lifting the payroll tax threshold from $1.3 million to $6.5 million for the next six months would save up to $150,000 for up to 10,000 small and medium businesses.