Backing Small Business: Innovation, Opportunity, and Growth

What People Are Telling Me

"As the director of a small business in the care sector, I see firsthand the resilience, dedication—and the frustrations—of business owners. From soaring operating costs to hours lost in red tape, small businesses are doing everything they can to stay afloat and support their communities. But we need a system that works as hard for us as we do for it."

The Reality We Face

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) make up 97% of all Australian businesses—yet face the biggest barriers when it comes to red tape, rising costs, and digital disruption.

The average small business owner spends 80+ hours a year on government paperwork.

Regional businesses face skill shortages, unreliable internet, and limited access to finance.

Only 1 in 4 small businesses are confidently using digital or AI-powered tools—leaving many behind in a fast-changing economy.

Meanwhile, many government supports are built for big business—not the solo operator or growing team of five.

My Commitment

As a current SME director, I understand the daily pressures business owners face. I’m committed to:

✅ Making government simpler and more responsive for small business.

✅ Modernising support systems so they’re actually fit for today’s business world.

✅ Unlocking regional growth through better infrastructure and local investment.

✅ Helping small business embrace digital tools, automation, and AI—without fear or cost barriers.

Key Initiatives to Empower Small Business

1️) Targeted Tax Relief and Cash Flow Support

Small business should be rewarded for the risks it takes—not taxed to the brink.

✔ Lower the tax rate on the first $500,000 in profit, easing pressure on small operators.

✔ Introduce a “Start-Up Tax Holiday” for new businesses in their first 3 years.

✔ Permanently legislate a $20,000 instant asset write-off to allow immediate deduction on tools, tech, and equipment.

✔ Offer tax offsets for angel investors and venture capital backing innovative Australian SMEs.

✔ Work with states to raise payroll tax thresholds and waive tax for first-time hires.

2️) Cut Red Tape and Simplify Compliance

Starting or growing a business shouldn’t feel harder than running it.

✔ Create a One-Stop Business Portal that handles federal, state, and local licenses in one place.

✔ Implement a “Tell Us Once” model—businesses should never have to repeat the same information across departments.

✔ Establish a Red Tape Reduction Taskforce to eliminate duplicate or outdated rules across levels of government.

✔ Fast-track home-based and low-risk business registrations, allowing same-day trading.

✔ Expand the Small Business Ombudsman’s role to provide compliance support and direct case resolution.

3️) Support for Regional and Rural Businesses

Location should never limit your potential.

✔ Launch a $2 billion Regional Business Growth Fund to support new industries, startups, and expansions in rural communities.

✔ Offer microloans up to $50,000 with flexible terms for regional entrepreneurs and family businesses.

✔ Establish Regional Enterprise Hubs with co-working space, high-speed internet, and local mentorship.

✔ Introduce a $10,000 Relocation Grant for business owners and skilled workers moving to priority regions.

✔ Invest in regional internet, freight, and transport upgrades, so rural businesses can compete nationally.

4️) Drive Digital Transformation and AI Adoption

Digital tools and AI should empower small business—not overwhelm it.

✔ Provide $5,000 Digital Starter Grants and up to $20,000 in co-funded tech upgrades for cloud software, AI tools, and ecommerce.

✔ Establish a network of SME Digital Advisors offering tailored tech support and transition plans.

✔ Launch Digital Boost Australia, a free online learning platform with tutorials, Q&A sessions, and real-world case studies.

✔ Fund cybersecurity health checks and vouchers so small business can protect itself online.

✔ Create AI Test Labs and Innovation Vouchers—helping businesses trial automation, chatbots, and digital assistants without upfront risk.

Why This Matters

This isn’t about handouts—it’s about removing barriers so small businesses can do what they do best.

This plan will:

✅ Lower costs and improve cash flow.

✅ Simplify licensing, reporting, and compliance.

✅ Revitalise regional towns through local investment.

✅ Equip SMEs to adopt tech, stay competitive, and create local jobs.

My Vision

"Small businesses are where innovation begins, where families build a future, and where communities find strength. They’re the bakery on the corner, the tradie you trust, and the care provider who shows up every day. As a business owner myself, I know we don’t want special treatment—we want fair treatment, and a system that respects our time, effort, and contribution."

💬 If you believe in building a stronger Australia from the ground up—one small business at a time—join me.