Small business operators urged to ensure they are well prepared for GST

4/2/00

With only 100 business days to the launch of Australia's new GST, Deputy Premier and Small Business Minister Hendy Cowan has urged small business operators to ensure they are well prepared to handle the tax.
Mr Cowan said while time was running out, free help could still be sought from a GST Transition Centre set up by the State Government to specifically help small business implement the tax.
"The GST is the biggest challenge facing small business in 30 years and the State Government has a priority to assist operators with the transition even though it is a Federal Government tax," Mr Cowan said.
"The GST Transition Centre, run by the Small Business Development Corporation, has been receiving hundreds of calls a week and is the only one of its kind in Australia set up by a State or Territory Government."
Mr Cowan said the centre offered:

• a State-wide phone service for the cost of a local call;
• face-to-face appointments with one of the centre's fully trained experts;
• a range of free industry-specific publications; and -
• an e-mail inquiry service on gst@sbdc.com.au

"The service offered by the centre is completely confidential and no information will be passed on to outside individuals or organisations," the Minister said.
In addition, clients can request a field visit from an Australian Tax Office GST specialist, who also offers a confidential service.
"GST Transition Centre staff can save business operators time by giving them clear and straightforward advice or referring them on for further assistance," Mr Cowan said.
"This free service provides independent, objective and confidential information."
The GST Transition Centre would remain open until at least December 2000.
The hotline number is 1300 130 678.
Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222-9595