MINDING OUR OWN BUSINESS

The Howard Government says they are the friends of small business, that they listen to the small business owner, and that they would like to make things easier for them.
Mr Howard, we have a message from Small Business on Norfolk Island.
Please do not bring us under your system of taxes and regulations.
You see, in a small community, especially a remote and isolated place like Norfolk Island, small business is our life blood. There are dozens, perhaps more than a hundred small businesses here. It happens when you cannot access public and private services and facilities that are available in bigger centres. Someone sees a need in the community. They get hold of some basic equipment or premises. They put a notice in the paper or flyers in the mail. And away they go! It us a very flexible arrangement.
There is a minimum of paperwork, regulation, compliance issues. You just get on with doing the jobs that people need doing. It works well.
We have a number of businesses servicing the tourist industry, that require a bit of capital and infrastructure. ......shops, accommodation, touring companies. Some are bigger and involve more investment than others. These types of businesses would need to keep their paperwork up to scratch. But it is nothing like it is under the mainland systems.
We have our normal tradesmen...our plumbing and electrical businesses, our builders, garages etc. They need to be organised, and there are some controls on their activities, such as O.H&S, planning and building regulations. But they would far rather conduct business here than anywhere else. Then there are our professionals...red tape is a little easier for them to handle, but they also recognise that it gets in the way of personal service. Even our accountants don't think much of your plans, although they are about the only ones whose businesses would prosper !
Then there are the smaller businesses and all the self-employed people. They carry out tasks like fencing, carting, grounds maintenance, producing crafts, pumping out our septics, cleaning our carpets, minding our kids, fixing our appliances, signwriting, beauty and massage therapies, mini tours, growing veges and flowers, catering, floor sanding..and many more. Many of them have two or three or more jobs they work at. It may be just one or two people involved. They may call in an extra person when a job is too big.
It all works very simply. Cash changes hands...and it is perfectly legal. Apart from their work tools, these small business people need little more than a cheque book, an account with a supplier, an invoice book and a receipt book...and sometimes they get by without even those!
Business and income taxes would cripple most of these small businesses. And if the financial constraints don't get them, the paperwork and compliance issues will. They simply cannot afford it. They would rather be out doing the jobs they are equipped to do....and keeping the money circulating round the community.
We are not in the Stone Age. We do have employment regulations, occupational health and safety standards, minimum wages, workers' compensation and things that really matter.
But if we are hit with all the red tape, regulations and taxes that the Commonwealth would impose on us, many of us would 'go under'. The 'big fellows' will take over, and they will not necessarily be local 'big fellows.' They will have a monopoly, and we will all get charged more for their products and services. I hate to say it, but if that happens, there would probably be plenty of people who would be in need of the dole they want to introduce here. But please.......they would really rather be working and producing, as they are now.
The spirit of enterprise is alive and well here on Norfolk Island. Please do not kill it!