General Debate
House of Representatives · Monday 28 July 2025
Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia
The debate centred on a motion moved by the Liberal Party alleging that the government had abandoned small businesses, leading to record insolvencies and excessive regulation. Coalition members argued that high costs, complex industrial relations laws, and proposed taxes on unrealised capital gains were stifling enterprise. Labor members countered that the government had provided billions in targeted support, including energy grants and tax cuts, while reducing inflation. The discussion highlighted differing views on regulatory burden and the effectiveness of government interventions.
The motion was debated but the transcript does not state the final voting result.
Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.
Opened the debate
Wilson moved the motion, asserting that small businesses faced a crisis due to government inaction. Wilson cited record insolvencies, rising energy prices, and complex industrial relations laws as key barriers. Wilson argued that the proposed tax on unrealised capital gains would undermine retirement security for business owners. Wilson called for deregulation and policies that make it easier to employ Australians.
Smith rejected the motion's claims, highlighting $2 billion in targeted support provided since 2022. Smith detailed specific measures including energy bill relief, grants for efficiency upgrades, and cyber resilience programs. Smith noted that the government had overhauled payment times reporting and invested in mental health support for owners. Smith argued that small business owners in his electorate appreciated these practical supports.
Caldwell supported the motion, stating that small businesses were under siege due to high insolvencies and rising costs. Caldwell criticised the government's energy policy and the proposed tax on unrealised capital gains as punitive. Caldwell argued that the coalition would lower taxes and cut red tape to restore confidence. Caldwell emphasised that small businesses are the foundation of local communities and the economy.
Coker defended the government's record, citing energy efficiency grants received by local businesses in her electorate. Coker highlighted the extension of the instant asset write-off and the benefits of free TAFE for workforce skills. Coker noted that 25,000 new firms were being created monthly despite global headwinds. Coker expressed confidence that upcoming productivity roundtables would address remaining challenges.
Violi argued that the government had introduced only one bill to support small business in the previous term. Violi claimed that 5,000 new regulations had been added, increasing compliance costs for small operators. Violi stated that the government's review of industrial relations laws lacked independence. Violi asserted that the coalition would reduce regulation and allow businesses to keep more of their earnings.
Laxale challenged the claim of legislative inaction, pointing to free TAFE, childcare support, and tax cuts for sole traders. Laxale detailed investments in digital support, franchising code reforms, and the National Small Business Strategy. Laxale mentioned efforts to reduce digital payment surcharges and support apprenticeships. Laxale argued that the government actively listened to and acted on feedback from business owners.
Leeser described small businesses as struggling with inflation, compliance costs, and uncertainty. Leeser criticised the tax on unrealised gains as unfair to self-managed superannuation funds. Leeser cited falling GDP growth per capita and record insolvencies as evidence of poor economic management. Leeser warned that the government's productivity roundtable risked becoming a platform for higher taxes rather than genuine reform.
Burns argued that the government had successfully reduced inflation to target ranges, benefiting disposable income. Burns highlighted energy grants and the extension of the instant asset write-off as key supports. Burns stated that the opposition had opposed previous measures to cap energy prices and provide relief. Burns maintained that sound economic management and reduced costs were essential for small business success.