Experts say the Hunter is unlikely to receive much love in tonight’s federal budget, with pre-budget hype focusing on tax breaks.
However Kristen Keegan from the Hunter Business Chamber says speculation on concessions for small business owners would have a positive effect on commercial activity in the Newcastle CBD.
But Dr Paul Docherty from the University of Newcastle’s Business School says proposed tax hikes for backpackers will discourage foreign workers from picking fruit in the valley’s vineyards.
“By adding an additional tax burden to backpackers – what that’s going to do is it’s going to make those industries that are traditionally reliant on backpacker employers – the vineyards – it’s going to make it that little bit more challenging to recruit backpackers,” he said.
Incomplete projects such as the M1 Raymond Terrace bypass and Glendale Interchange are among the region’s budget wish list, as well as compensation for residents living in the Williamtown contamination zone.
The budget will be handed down tonight, for full details watch the Budget Special on NBN News at 10pm.
