The NSW Opposition is calling on the Government to be up front about the future of a scheme which allows small businesses who use vehicles for work to claim up to $3000 in tolls but is due to expire on 30 June.

The Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate scheme allows small businesses that use vehicles for work to claim up to $3,000 in tolls and other government fees and charges.

The Opposition asked the Minister for Finance to guarantee that businesses won’t lose this crucial relief in Question Time on Tuesday, to which he responded by laughing the serious question off and refusing to answer:

The Hon. PENNY SHARPE: My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Finance, and Minister for Employee Relations. Given the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate scheme, which allows small businesses that use vehicles for work to claim up to $2,000 in tolls, is due to expire on 30 June 2022, will the Minister guarantee that businesses will be able to continue to claim back tolls from this scheme after 1 July?

The Hon. DAMIEN TUDEHOPE: A nice question to try to find out what is in the budget—nice try! 
Shadow Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“Drivers have had one step forward, one step back on toll relief, gaining toll rebates but losing free vehicle registration.”

“The Government needs to answer, is the $3000 toll relief for small business also for the chopping block?”

“If it was, it may actually be one step forward, two steps back for drivers on toll relief.”
Shadow Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said:

“Over the last few years we have heard story after story of small businesses and sole traders having to shut down due to crippling toll bills which they simply cannot afford to pay.”

“The fact that Minister for Finance chose to laugh in the face of a serious question about cost of living pressures and tolling is an indictment on the Government’s attitude towards small business in NSW.”
JOHN GRAHAM MLC
SHADOW MINISTER FOR ROADS

STEVE KAMPER MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS