SMEs losing confidence in Turnbull Govt


Small and medium businesses have lost faith in the Government’s policies, according to the latest Sensis Business Index survey.
The survey, released today, reveals that the index has reached its lowest point since Malcolm Turnbull took office and is 20 points lower than the highest score recorded under Tony Abbott.
Commenting on the survey, Sensis chief executive, John Allan said that while perceptions of the economy remained strong, less than one in seven businesses had faith in the Government’s policies.
He said the biggest concerns were around excessive bureaucracy and red tape, as well as there being too much of a focus on the interests of big business.
The degree to which the perceptions of the Government diverged from perceptions of the broader economy was reflected in the fact that despite a tough quarter for the Government, the long-term projections for the economy had improved to their best level in 2.5 years.
“Perceptions of the current state of the economy fell slightly, but when we look further ahead businesses are feeling the most optimistic they have been since the carbon tax was repealed in 2014,” Allan said.
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