Business leaders welcome election resolution

July 13, 2016
insidesmallbusiness
‘It’s about turning our attention to the future, as neither party really went into the election with the type of clearly articulated comprehensive plan for small business we need.’
Peter Strong, CEO of The Council of Small Business Australia – COSBOA – has welcomed the continuity for small business that confirmation Malcolm Turnbull has retained power will bring.
‘COSBOA is pleased that we now have an election result and that Kelly O’Dwyer will continue her role as Small Business Minister. She has been a successful minister and we wouldn’t want her to be moved to another portfolio!
‘However, we do call for all parties and the independents to be constructive as the new parliament starts to do its job,‘ he went on to say. ‘Politics should be robust and challenging, but for the sake of the economy we must focus on positive outcomes in tax changes, vocational training, competition policy and workplace relations for small business.
‘We must see the back of laissez-faire, ideologically-driven policy, from the right and left wings of the major parties. We also must ensure that debates on immigration and broad community issues do not become driven by the haters, but be focused on facts and, where necessary, discovering facts.
‘The members of COSBOA believe that confidence will come with proper debate and not scare campaigns – from any party,’ Mr Strong concluded.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which supported the coalition’s tax reduction for businesses, has also reacted positively to the resolution of the election outcome.
‘I offer my congratulations to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the coalition, following a long election campaign,’ CEO James Pearson said on Sunday. ‘The company tax cut is as important to job creation and the success of everyday businessmen and women today as it was at the start of this campaign.
‘We look forward to the first steps in the plan, which will support small businesses, being enacted when Parliament returns.’
Mr Pearson said he also welcomed Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s commitment to look for common ground and support the creation of more jobs.
Jeff Rogut, CEO of the Australasian Association of Convenience Stores – AACS – is also relieved the uncertainty is over and urged decision-makers to act with the best interests of Australia’s crucial small business sector in mind.
‘Like most business groups and Australians in general, we’re happy that an outcome has finally been realised,’ he said.
‘For the AACS, it’s about turning our attention to the future, as neither party really went into the election with the type of clearly articulated comprehensive plan for small business we need. We’re glad vote counting has finally crowned an election winner but for us the work continues to have the voice of small businesses heard in the crowded marketplace. This involves further engagement so that politicians realise the potential of unintended, negative consequences of the decisions they make, such as the constant hikes in tobacco excise,’ Mr Rogut said.
Inside Small Business and AAP