With the date of the 2022 Federal Election now set for May 21, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has commenced the Back Australian Business campaign.
This election, we join them in campaigning for an ambitious agenda that sets the context for sustaining growth, increasing productivity, and boosting international competitiveness in the decades to come. The next government, whether Coalition or Labor, must have a practical plan that empowers business to grow.
Members of ACCI and the chambers like the South Australian Business Chamber across Australia collectively represent approximately 500,000 businesses, employing millions of Australians across every sector of the economy in every corner of the country.
The Back Australian Business campaign outlines the five policy pillars that underpin the campaign:
Unemployed workers of all demographics are keen to get into the workforce, but there are certain barriers preventing them from achieving their full potential.
Measures, like increasing the income threshold for pensioners, helping more young people through traineeships and aiding with childcare costs for parents, can help us tap into a pool of underutilised talent. There is more our government can be doing to support our unemployed.
Current tax rates are inhibiting Australia’s economic growth as more businesses are choosing to take their companies and research and development (R&D) overseas.
Investment in infrastructure also needs support from our government, both encouraging businesses to make those larger-scale investments and encouraging contract wins for huge global projects.
To help our budding businesses flourish, we need to help them invest internally to reap the external economic benefits.
From improving digital capabilities and staff training to bigger investments like machinery and equipment, these investments carry a huge financial toll for small businesses and require support from the Federal Government. In addition, rising insurance costs and government regulations are an increasing burden on small businesses. Here is what we can do to change that.
Australia’s commitment to the 2050 net-zero target is strong, however there is more we can be doing to cement our country’s future in sustainable energy.
Investing in our domestic sustainable energy solutions will not only power our community and businesses but can also power our economy, commercialising our renewable energy sources on the global stage.
After the past two years of financial turmoil, businesses are daring to look forward and plan for a return to normal in Australia.
We need to grow the size of the pie to help industries get back on their feet, and to do this we need more skilled Australians, more migrant workers and more people coming back into the workforce. Over 25% of businesses are having difficulty finding staff, and they need support from the government. Here is what is needed from our country’s leaders to create a better Australia for businesses.
Visit the Back Australian Business website.
