Small Business

Georganas highlighted the government's National Small Business Strategy and various financial supports, including improved payment times and the instant asset write-off. Georganas noted investments in energy efficiency grants and digital resilience programs to help businesses manage costs and security. Georganas argued that these measures were designed to improve the operating environment for the 2.6 million small businesses that form the backbone of the economy.

McCormack criticised the limited value of the instant asset write-off compared to previous unlimited thresholds and warned of rising fuel costs due to international events. McCormack argued that small businesses lacked reliability from the government and were suffering from high energy prices and poor water policies. McCormack emphasised the hard work of small business owners and farmers, stating they deserved better policy support rather than just political talking points.

Briskey refuted claims of economic mismanagement by citing falling wholesale electricity prices and the delivery of energy efficiency grants. Briskey defended industrial relations reforms, noting delays and advisory services implemented to assist small businesses with compliance. Briskey argued that the opposition lacked a coherent plan, contrasting their complaints with the government's active investment in tax cuts, procurement reforms, and small business support programs.

McCormack reiterated concerns about global energy shocks and their impact on regional fuel supplies and agricultural costs. McCormack discussed the importance of small businesses in regional economies and noted the National Party's commitment to supporting them. McCormack also mentioned the upcoming by-election in Farrer, suggesting the government's potential non-participation reflected poorly on their engagement with regional communities.

Ambihaipahar detailed specific government initiatives, including tax cuts for sole traders, cyber security supports, and reforms to franchising laws. Ambihaipahar addressed interest rate increases by highlighting the government's fiscal credibility and efforts to reduce deficits. Ambihaipahar argued that the government was actively rebuilding the energy grid and providing fair prices, contrasting this with the opposition's lack of substantive policy solutions.

Venning argued that regional small businesses were struggling due to inadequate access to health services, housing, childcare, and technical training. Venning cited the crisis facing wineries and other family-owned enterprises, claiming they were drowning under regulatory failure and rising costs. Venning asserted that the government's policies were driven by union interests rather than the needs of small business owners, leading to a lack of innovation and growth.

Holzberger drew on his own experience running small businesses to argue for a collective approach to economic support, including public housing, energy, and healthcare. Holzberger contended that these services reduced costs for businesses and helped the broader economy grow. Holzberger criticised the opposition's stance on superannuation and Medicare, suggesting that stripping away these benefits would harm small businesses rather than help them.