Chamber says next federal government must Back Australian Business

The Back Australian Business campaign is aimed at putting forward the chamber’s concerns for big and small businesses to the major parties.

“Listening to Australian businesses, big and small, we know they want an ambitious agenda that sets the context for sustaining growth, increasing productivity, and boosting international competitiveness in the decades to come,” ACCI chief executive Andrew McKellar said.

“We need the major parties to look beyond the immediate short-term and campaign for a positive policy vision that ensures our continued economic resilience.

“The next federal government, whether Coalition or Labor, must have a practical plan that empowers business to grow. Driving productivity gains will be critical to maintaining higher living standards and the opportunities which we all aspire to.

“We can no longer afford to be complacent. Languishing business investment and poor productivity performance must be reversed to avoid stunting our economic recovery at a time when building momentum is critical.

“With acute skills and labour shortages at their worst in 48 years, a comprehensive strategy is needed to grow our nation’s workforce. Businesses are nothing without the people they employ.

“Two years of lockdowns and restrictions has meant many business owners are only just keeping their head above water. Given 98 per cent of all businesses are small businesses, we must have the right regulatory environment to ensure they can flourish.”

The Back Australian Business campaign calls on the next federal government to address three priority issues:

• Ensuring all businesses and the Australians they employ have access to the skills to grow Australia’s prosperity now and into the future
• Boosting labour force participation, enabling Australians who want to work to get into jobs
• Taking the pressure off small businesses by reducing the regulatory and compliance burden, easing cash-flow pressures, and boosting growth and employment opportunities

The Back Australian Business campaign will be delivered in conjunction with state and territory chambers of commerce, national and state industry associations, and local chambers of commerce.

“Our members represent approximately 500,000 businesses, employing millions of Australians, across every sector of the economy, in every corner of the country,” Mr McKellar added.

“From the largest corporations to your local café, businesses big and small, need the right policy settings to ensure they can thrive.

“The 2022 federal election provides a unique opportunity to lay the foundations for a better future where Australian business can realise their economic potential. For the benefit of all Australians, let’s not waste it.”