For immediate use
August 18 2010
VACC calls for a meaningful contribution to Superannuation
“Small business owners should not bear the whole cost of superannuation increases.”
That is the view of VACC Executive Director, David Purchase.
While the debate over the best way forward for superannuation in Australia continues,
VACC has today confirmed that it supports a good superannuation system but not at
the expense of milking employers dry.
“Everyone works hard during their working lives and deserves to be able to retire in the
knowledge that they can live a comfortable life, without having to worry about the
finances,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.
VACC, which represents approximately 5,500 small businesses in Victoria and
Tasmania, accepts that small business owners should contribute to their employees’
super fund, but that they should not be expected to do it alone.
In ‘VACC’s Issues for the 2010 Federal Election’, it calls on the next Federal
Government not to increase the superannuation burden on small business owners.
“To increase superannuation contributions from 9 to 12 percent, as proposed by the
Federal Government, is not a bad thing. In fact, a 12 percent superannuation
contribution is a good idea because it will assist our ageing population to have a well
deserved retirement. But this increase should be paid for out of taxation receipts or
foregone wage increases,” Mr Purchase said.
“We were led to believe that the increased contribution would come out of the ‘super
profits’ from the resources mining tax. But as we now know, this was never the case
and so how is it going to be paid for?” said Mr Purchase.
“Business owners already contribute a lot to society by providing employment,
security, workcover, insurance and, in some cases, health plans. Superannuation is
yet another obligation. But let us spread the responsibility evenly and create an
environment in which all parties, including employees themselves, provide a
meaningful contribution,” Mr Purchase said.
Ends.
To view VACC’s Issues for the 2010 Federal Election, go to vacc.com.au
NEWS 
