Inverell's branch of the National Party is lobbying to save jobs in the state's food production industry, including major local employer Bindaree Beef.
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As part of a $2.3 billion Coronavirus stimulus package, the NSW government allocated $450 million to waive payroll tax for businesses with payrolls of up to $10 million for three months.
Unfortunately, like Bindaree Beef, many of the state's food producers exceed a yearly payroll of $10 million and during these uncertain times will still be expected to pay up before the new financial year.
Inverell branch chairman Steven de Gunst said the collapse of a local business such as Bindaree Beef would have a huge impact on not just Inverell but the whole New England area.
"This is a really bad time for them. The rain has meant no one is sell cattle. They had to shut [last] Tuesday, due to the lack of cattle available," he said.
"Coupled with what's going to happen with the global markets due to Coronavirus, we just don't know where they're going to be.
"All I'm requesting is the state government look at the exemption of payroll tax to food producers over $10 million. That gives a clear distinction between food producers and other businesses," he said.
Mr de Gunst said the National Party's state chairman was aware of the issue and hoped it would be taken further in the coming days.
With panic-buying a real issue in supermarkets world-wide, food producers are an vital part of the process to ensure the demand can continue to be met.
"Obviously we can't let this business go under here, we'll all be struggling. We are a town that survives on beef," he said.
The local chairman said having an abattoir in Inverell strengthened the region's cattle and grain industry.
"It is important people get politically active, now more than ever. We have 110 members in this town and encourage anyone to join.
"I'm not here to make political points, I'm here to save jobs. As chairman of the Inverell branch, I have the best interest of my branch and my town, which is why I am lobbying for this exemption."
Mr de Gunst felt as local chairman this fell under his umbrella to lobby for and act as a voice for food producers across New South Wales.
"Payroll tax has been an ongoing issue for years for Bindaree Beef. It's something they've spoken out against and continue to do so," Mr de Gunst said.