The ACT’s budget missed the mark for business, according to the Canberra Business Chamber.

“While it is important to focus on health and wellbeing investment, today’s budget doesn’t put enough focus on helping build a thriving business community,” Greg Harford, Canberra Business Chamber chief executive said.

“Canberra’s private sector employs more than two-thirds of all working Canberrans, and times are difficult. Economic growth has slowed and many firms are hurting.

“Two-thirds of businesses report that they didn’t hit their business targets in the last quarter; and nearly half are feeling negative or very negative about the future. This is exactly the time when we need government to be getting in behind business and working hard to improve the business environment.

“While the Chamber wasn’t looking for large spending initiatives, we would have liked to see a program announced for removing barriers to doing business here in the ACT.

“Instead, the government is bringing forward its plans to bring in a payroll tax surcharge for large firms operating here in the ACT. This sends a message not only that business may not be welcome here in the territory, but also means that Canberrans are likely to pay even more for some goods and services over time.”