A new prime minister and a pro-business budget has raised small firms' views of the federal government, although new research suggests it shouldn't think it can sit on its laurels.
A survey by business software provider MYOB has found satisfaction with the government among operators of small and medium-sized enterprises rising to 30 per cent from 27 per cent in February.
Dissatisfaction tumbled to 26 per cent, the lowest level since MYOB started its bi-annual survey of 1000 SME owners six years ago, and compared with 33 per cent previously.
"This is more good news for the Turnbull government," MYOB's John Moss says.
The May budget under the former leadership of Tony Abbott was also well received, although SMEs are looking for further measures to make doing business easier.
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The $20,000 instant asset write-off was a big hit in the budget, but the survey found that only 25 per cent of respondents had so far taken advantage of the measure.
Thirty-eight per cent of owners said they didn't have the need to make any new purchases for their business, while 19 per cent said they didn't have the money for the initial outlay.
However, number one in a list of wants for the future was almost two thirds of respondents saying the initiative should be extended beyond its legislated closing date of June 2017.
"Policies that significantly simplify the GST/BAS reporting process - an ongoing pain point for many SMEs - came a very close second," Mr Moss said.
Third was reducing the company tax rate to 28.5 per cent for all businesses rather than just small firms that benefited in the budget.
