'Under siege': small business a target for government

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli criticises federal government tax reforms, saying they target small businesses.

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Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has described the federal government's budget changes as a 'siege' on family and small businesses. According to Yahoo Australia, Mr Crisafulli made the comments in his annual State of the State address on Monday.

The address marked the halfway point of the Crisafulli government's four-year term. Mr Crisafulli stated that small and family businesses need help, not hindrance, and that federal government tax changes are depriving families of means to help their kids.

The flagged changes to trusts were also criticised by the premier, who said they were not fair. He argued that these businesses were creating a structure to have a bit of equity to pass on to their kids and employ people, rather than trying to do something dodgy.

The recent removal of credit card surcharges was also seen as a negative development by the premier. He pointed out that businesses were unable to claim these surcharges back, and that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) would then charge them for the pleasure of paying the bill by credit card.

Mr Crisafulli also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Queenslanders, including youth crime, health, housing, and cost of living. He stated that progress was being made on these issues after a long period of time where the numbers went in the wrong direction.