The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) has outlined several important priorities for the upcoming 2025-26 Federal Budget. COSBOA represents 1.3 million of Australia’s small businesses, and their goal is to push for stronger support to help these businesses survive and thrive in tough economic times.
With small businesses facing high inflation, rising interest rates, and a slowdown in consumer spending, COSBOA believes it’s time for the Government to step in with effective solutions. Here’s what COSBOA is asking for to support small businesses:
Lowering the cost of doing business
Small business owners are feeling the pinch with rising costs. Many are struggling to pay themselves because of cash flow problems. COSBOA is asking for policies that will help lower the cost of doing business. This includes programs to reduce energy prices, rent relief for businesses, and lowering high insurance costs. These changes would make it easier for small businesses to keep running without having to dig into personal savings.
Here’s what they’re suggesting:
- Lower Energy Costs: COSBOA wants to see energy efficiency programs, like group buying deals, to help small businesses negotiate lower energy rates.
- Affordable Rent: They’re calling for government-backed rent relief and tax incentives for landlords who offer affordable rent to small businesses.
- Cheaper Insurance: COSBOA recommends government programs to help businesses reduce risks, making insurance premiums more manageable and improving overall business resilience.
- Support for Entrepreneurs: COSBOA also wants more financial support and mentorship to help new entrepreneurs get started and navigate barriers to entry or exit.
Tax reforms to simplify the system
One major challenge for small businesses is navigating the complex tax system. COSBOA is pushing for simpler tax rules and faster ways for businesses to claim deductions, like a permanent instant asset write-off. This would allow businesses to invest in equipment or technology to help them grow without the burden of complicated paperwork.
Fairer work conditions
Small businesses often struggle with the expanding rules and regulations around employee relations. COSBOA is advocating for changes to the Fair Work Act, including raising the threshold for what counts as a small business. This would reduce the compliance burden for many small businesses. They are also asking for better support from the Fair Work Commission and Fair Work Ombudsman to make it easier to manage employee relations.
Support for the energy transition
With Australia’s push for a greener future, COSBOA is calling for more support to help small businesses adopt renewable energy solutions. Many small businesses are hesitant to make the transition due to financial concerns. COSBOA is asking for financial support and resources to guide businesses through this process.
Cybersecurity and AI support
As digital threats grow, COSBOA is concerned about the rising cybersecurity risks for small businesses. They’re advocating for the Government to focus on education and support rather than punishment for small businesses that may be unaware of the risks. Additionally, COSBOA is pushing for a national plan to help businesses safely adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that can improve productivity.
Addressing Worker shortages
Worker shortages are a big issue for many small businesses, especially in regional areas. COSBOA is asking for policies that make it easier for small businesses to recruit skilled workers from overseas. They also want the Government to avoid raising the salary thresholds for temporary skilled workers, which would make it even harder for businesses to find the workers they need.
Vocational training that works for small businesses
COSBOA believes that Australia’s vocational training system needs to better align with the needs of small businesses. They’re calling for more support for businesses that offer training opportunities and mentorship to workers. This includes expanding training options in areas like digital technologies and AI.
Simplifying government contracts
COSBOA is also focused on making it easier for small businesses to compete for government contracts. The current process can be too complex and expensive for smaller businesses to navigate. They’re asking the Government to simplify the tendering process to give small businesses a fairer chance at securing contracts.
Supporting regional small businesses
Small businesses in regional and remote areas face unique challenges, such as difficulty attracting workers and high transport costs. COSBOA is calling for more investment in skills development, improved transport infrastructure, and financial incentives for small businesses in these areas to help them grow and succeed. COSBOA’s priorities for the 2025-26 Federal Budget are designed to help small businesses reduce costs, simplify regulations, and access the support they need to grow.
By addressing these key areas, COSBOA believes the Government can unlock the full potential of Australia’s small business sector, boosting innovation, productivity, and economic growth. With the right policies in place, small businesses can look forward to a brighter future.
Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
COSBOA’s 2025 budget wishlist lays out the changes needed to help them survive—will the government step up? News, Budget Dynamic Business
