Small business owners are taking to the internet to salute their new “business partner” – one Anthony Albanese. The prime minister is featuring in a trending wave of AI-generated memes, where he is being mocked for this year’s budget changes to the capital gains tax discount. “Big shoutout to my silent business partner, Anthony,” Cocobelle Beauty salon owner Michelle wrote on Facebook. LIVE UPDATES: Eleven Australians on flotilla intercepted by Israel “Emphasis on silent. He’ll be taking 47 per cent of the profits without ever
answering a phone, changing a treatment bed, or doing a Hydrafacial.” An AI-generated photo of Michelle and Albanese accompanied the caption. It’s one of a slew of memes touting the same “47 per cent figure”. The number refers to changes to the capital gains tax discount introduced in last week’s federal budget. Under the new measures, the 50 per cent CGT discount will end, leaving business owners facing the possibility of paying 47 per cent tax if they sell their company. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has
said the government will work to do right by start-ups and business founders, leaving open the possibility of exemptions to the rule. READ MORE: Why health expert wants to make cigarettes cheaper “We think you are a really important part of the economy, in lots of ways the hope of the side when it comes to dynamism and productivity, and we will reflect and recognise that in our policy,” Chalmers said in parliament last week, addressing notional start-up founders. The backlash to the police began
– meme-wise, at least – in the tech sector, but has migrated to other small businesses. ‘That is just so unfair’: Boost Juice founder lashes budget tax reform Multimillionaire Boost Juice founder Janine Allis was a vocal critic of the federal budget’s tax changes, saying they are “just so unfair”. In a social media video, the typically apolitical Allis said Labor’s decision to wind back the capital gains tax discount and grandfather negative gearing would “destroy the core of what Australians are”. “I would put
my house on the line, I put everything on the line, and then I work my absolute butt off, risk everything, be away from my family, etc,” she said. READ MORE: Taylor waves in a potential tradie bonanza “To eventually make a profit and give nearly half to the government? “Oh my god, that is just so unfair. It doesn’t allow you to get ahead, it doesn’t inspire you to actually take the risks that you need to take.” The government broke an election promise
by moving to replace the capital gains tax discount with a less generous inflation-linked rate and a minimum 30 per cent rate. Negative gearing will be limited to new builds and no longer apply to any existing properties bought after 7.30pm on May 12. Both policies are commonly used for property, but the capital gains tax discount can apply to most capital assets, like managed funds, while negative gearing can apply to other income-producing assets like shares. Allis said she believed the changes would kill
ambition to start a business and ward off investment from global businesses. NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms. Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google PlayMake 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box hereSign up to our breaking newsletter here
Anthony Albanese, CGT, capital gains tax discount, AI memes, small business owners, Cocobelle Beauty, Michelle, Jim Chalmers, Janine Allis, Boost Juice, negative gearing, May 12, 7.30pm