Small business advocates are turning up the heat on the Federal Government ahead of the Budget, calling for practical changes they say would make life a whole lot easier for Australia’s small business owners.

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) has dropped its Budget wish list, and it’s pretty clear what they’re after:  a bit of breathing room for small businesses doing it tough.

It comes as plenty of small business owners are already feeling wconomic pressure. Rising fuel, insurance and financing costs, along with the never-ending admin load, are making it harder for business owners to stay on top of things, let alone plan ahead.

COSBOA CEO Skye Cappuccio says the Budget needs to strike a balance between immediate relief and longer-term certainty.

“Small businesses are managing a cumulative set of pressures, from fuel and insurance through to compliance and financing costs,” she said.

“What they need from this Budget is clear: immediate backing where it’s needed, and policy certainty that allows them to plan ahead, invest and improve productivity.”

Push to lift the instant asset write-off

One of the big-ticket asks is an increase to the Instant Asset Write-Off, which currently sits at $20,000. COSBOA wants it lifted and locked in permanently.

According to Cappuccio, the current threshold just doesn’t cut it anymore.

“Right now, the threshold simply doesn’t reflect the real cost of doing business or enable significant investment,” she said.

“For a tradie, it’s a vehicle or equipment needed to take on more work. For a food producer or manufacturer, it’s machinery that increases production capacity and reduces downtime.

“These aren’t discretionary purchases, they are the tools businesses need to operate efficiently, be innovative and deliver more with the resources they have.”

Red tape a business headache

If there’s one thing small business owners love complaining about, it’s regulations, red tape and endless compliance tasks. COSBOA is backing a push to cut red tape by 25 per cent, alongside reforms to simplify rules and reduce duplication across different levels of government.

Right now, small businesses are spending almost a full day each week on compliance and admin. That includes BAS, tax reporting, navigating wage awards, renewing licences, dealing with insurance paperwork and keeping up with data and privacy rules.

A recent report estimates regulatory compliance costs the Australian economy about $160 billion a year.

“For many small businesses, red tape isn’t abstract – it’s paperwork, forms, duplicate reporting and time spent dealing with multiple agencies,” Cappuccio said.

“That’s time taken away from customers, staff and running the business. Reducing duplication and simplifying these processes would immediately ease pressure and lift productivity.”

Cash flow support wanted

With fuel costs biting, COSBOA is also calling for targeted help for businesses under cash flow pressure.

One idea is a $3,000 voucher that small business owners could use to access trusted advisers like bookkeepers or accountants.

“Many small businesses don’t have the capacity to navigate financial pressure alone and delay seeking advice because of cost, even when they need it most,” Cappuccio said.

“A targeted voucher to access a qualified service provider would help certain businesses manage cashflow, make informed decisions and remain viable.

“This is about giving small businesses the tools and advice they need before challenges become crises.”

Support for small business initiatives

COSBOA also wants continued investment in programs like Cyber Wardens, which helps small businesses lift their cyber security, and support for initiatives like Go Local First to encourage Australians to spend with local operators.

Cappuccio says small businesses remain the backbone of communities across the country.

“Whether it’s a local café, a tradie, a farmer or a small retailer, these businesses are employing local people, supporting other local businesses and keeping communities connected,” she said.

“They are the fabric of local economies, particularly in regional Australia.

“If the Government pulls the right levers, small businesses will do what they’ve always done – invest, employ and drive economic growth,” Cappuccio concludes.

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