Peter Strong, CEO of COSBOA commented on the critical importance that small business will play in this Federal election, where small business people count for large numbers of voters in marginal seats. COSBOA will focus on the small business community being informed on key policy issues, and he warns that transparency should be at the heart of this election.
“Small business people in electorates across Australia will play a vital part in the election. They make up between 8% - 16% of voters, on average around 11.7% per electorate. This is significant when margins are as low as 0.2% for contested seats. There is no denying that the vote of every small business owner and those working for them count,” said Mr. Strong.
Small business represents a significant number of voters in marginal seats across Australia. For example, in the seat of McEwen (VIC) there is a 0.2% margin and the small business community makes up 9.4% of voters. In Eden-Monaro (NSW), the margin is 0.6% and small business is 11.3% of voters, while in Capricornia (QLD) the margin is 0.8% and small businesses make up 11.6% of voters.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy of a Federal Election and focusing on the major two parties, but communities need to look to at the individuals who will representing their community and what they stand for. Small businesses impact everyone’s day-to-day lives, from local accountants, gyms, cafes and grocers to health practitioners and owner drivers. We need a government with a clear direction that includes key policies to support small business, then the entire community benefits and Australia’s cultural fabric gains strength.”
“It cannot be stressed enough the importance of being informed on policy when casting a vote. Small business drives the economy and supports a diverse culture. To disadvantage this sector would be disastrous,” said Mr Strong.
COSBOA has outlined the key policy issues that need to be front and centre for small businesses in the upcoming election. These include Competition, Workplace Relations, Telecommunications, B2B Communications, Health, Training, Financing and Superannuation*.
Above all else, COSBOA says the main election theme needs to be about transparency in government.
“There must be an end to secret big union and big business influence on policy and process. It is not just small business people that suffer from covert influence, it’s also medium businesses, non-employing independent contractors and Australian workers. The economy cannot be managed effectively in back rooms and dark places,” warned Mr. Strong. (source: COSBOA)
