Small Business

Gregg argued that the government was committed to enhancing conditions for small enterprises via regulatory reforms and the National Small Business Strategy. Gregg highlighted tax cuts for 1.5 million sole traders, the extension of the instant asset write-off, and a $400 million industry growth program. Gregg criticised the opposition for opposing these measures and for failing to deliver on energy policy, which he claimed created uncertainty for businesses involved in the energy transition.

Laxale opposed the motion, stating that the government was delivering practical support such as energy bill relief for nearly one million small businesses and energy efficiency grants. Laxale cited initiatives including the instant asset write-off, payment times reforms, and cyber resilience programs. Laxale argued that the opposition had opposed or delayed these measures, including tax cuts and the instant asset write-off, and claimed that small businesses were thriving with 2.66 million entities operating in Australia.

Rebello supported the motion, arguing that small businesses were struggling with high costs and regulations that flowed through to consumers. Rebello cited record insolvencies during the previous Labor term and claimed that union pressure and red tape were strangling the construction sector. Rebello asserted that government energy policies had caused electricity costs to rise by almost 40 per cent, contributing to inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, and called for an energy policy focused on affordability.

French opposed the motion, highlighting the government's delivery of energy bill relief, energy efficiency grants, and the National Small Business Strategy. French noted investments in the Payment Times Reporting Scheme, the instant asset write-off, and digital support programs including cyber wardens. French argued that the coalition had opposed previous tax cuts and reforms, and stated that the government was strengthening protections for franchisees and small operators against unfair contract terms.

Aldred supported the motion, citing surveys from MYOB and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry that identified energy costs, inflation, and red tape as major challenges for small businesses. Aldred argued that recent Franchising Code of Conduct reforms added unnecessary regulatory burdens, such as requirements to print extensive disclosure documents. Aldred stated that high stress levels among business owners were impacting mental health and that 30 per cent of surveyed businesses feared closure within 12 months.

Smith opposed the motion, emphasising the government's National Small Business Strategy and investments in digital support programs, including the Digital Solutions program and Cyber Wardens. Smith argued that the opposition had blocked tax cuts for 1.5 million sole traders and failed to propose alternative support measures. Smith stated that the government was focused on helping small businesses grow and prosper through practical assistance and reducing duplication across levels of government.