COSBOA and BCA to host Business Debate between Treasurer and Shadow Treasurer on 23 April 2025

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) and the Business Council of Australia (BCA) will host The Business Debate in Melbourne ahead of the 3 May election, with global uncertainty highlighting the need for both parties to deliver an economic plan that backs businesses.

On 23 April 2025, one day after early voting opens, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor will go head-to-head at the COSBOA and BCA joint event – The Business Debate; a plan for Australia’s economic future.

The event will be the first time during this election campaign that a debate is held directly with representatives from both small and large businesses. This is expected to be the last economic debate of the campaign.

Business Council of Australia Chief Executive Bran Black said it was imperative that both sides present a long-term plan for economic and productivity growth, in the interest of growing prosperity for all Australians.

“Rising global uncertainty means it is more important than ever that our political leaders present their economic vision to support small and large businesses to grow and generate prosperity,” Mr Black said.

“With six in every seven workers employed by the private sector, and businesses and the people they employ accounting for the bulk of tax revenue, we need to see both parties put forward a plan that fosters private sector-led growth.

“Around 80 per cent of our economic output comes from businesses, and so if we’re to grow prosperity for all Australians and boost living standards, the test for both parties is whether they have a plan to support businesses to grow.”

COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraat said small businesses were the backbone of the economy and he looked forward to co-hosting the debate.

“Small businesses employ over 5 million Australians but are often taken for granted and hidden in plain sight.”

“We anticipate this debate will provide constructive engagement to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Australian economy, and hope this becomes an annual fixture.”

“During uncertain economic times, dialogue and engagement between industry has never been more important.”

Mr Achterstraat said COSBOA has been advocating for tax reform and red tape reduction to help get small businesses back on their feet after a challenging period.

“We encourage members of the community to support our Fair GO for Small Business campaign in recognition of the critical role they play across Australia.”

COSBOA has launched its Fair GO for Small Business campaign to call on all sides of politics to support policies that enable small businesses to thrive. Key priorities include:

• Reducing red tape and simplifying compliance

• Reforming the tax system to support growth and investment

• Delivering affordable and reliable energy

• Investing in skills, training and workforce development

• Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of small business owners

Small businesses are the foundation of our economy and communities – they deserve a fair go.

For more on COSBOA small business policy, visit: cosboa.org.au.

For more on the Fair GO for Small Business campaign, visit: Fair GO for Small Business

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For media enquiries or interviews, please contact Luke Achterstraat, Chief Executive Officer, COSBOA on ceo@cosboa.org.au or call +61 (0) 433 644 097.

About COSBOA

Established in 1979, The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) is a member based not-for-profit organisation exclusively representing the interests of small businesses. The capability, representation, and reach of COSBOA are defined by a mix of over 50 national and state-based members. COSBOA's strength is its capacity to harness its members' views and advance consensus across policy areas common to many.

Our member organisations work with the COSBOA team to assist us with policy development and guide our advocacy - not just for small businesses but also for the benefit of the Australians they employ. In this capacity, COSBOA makes submissions and representations to the government, including its agencies, on issues affecting small businesses and to pursue good policy.

For more information, visit www.cosboa.org.au