South Australia’s small and medium businesses have the lowest confidence in the nation according to the Sensis Business Index March 2015, released today.

Sensis’ March 2015 survey shows a sharp 13 point fall in business confidence in South Australia, meaning SA continues to have the lowest business confidence of any state or territory in the nation.

Business confidence in South Australia now sits a just +6 whilst the national rate is +27 and the rate in New South Wales has soared to +38.

Shadow Minister for Small Business Dan van Holst Pellekaan has renewed his call for State Treasurer Koutsantonis to follow the Commonwealth Government’s lead and back small business to grow our economy in next month’s state budget.

“Small business confidence is the key to job creation and South Australia is in desperate need of increased employment opportunities,” said Mr van Holst Pellekaan.

“The Weatherill Government needs to deliver genuine taxation relief to South Australian business, which are currently struggling under the nation’s highest tax regime.

“It is no coincidence that South Australia’s unemployment rate is 7.1 per cent whilst the national rate sits at 6.2 per cent.

“Tax relief, a reduction in red tape and a Government committed to generating economic growth is needed to improve confidence for small businesses in South Australia.

“If not reversed, tax increases, such as the Emergency Service Levy announced by Treasurer Koutsantonis this month, will just further reduce business confidence.”