Business is fighting back against Labor and the Greens, insisting company tax cuts will help the economy as well as boost jobs.
Heads of the Business Council of Australia, Minerals Council, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Australian Industry Group have penned a joint statement in response to critics.
"The case for a more competitive business tax rate to boost investment, growth and jobs stacks up on paper and in practice," they write in the Australian Financial Review on Thursday.
ACCI chief executive James Pearson says the groups have become increasingly concerned about the need for bipartisan backing for business.
"It's not reasonable to expect business to be silent in the heat of an election campaign when there are confusing claims," he told ABC radio.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Mr Pearson rejected a perception that small business is beautiful and big business is bad.
"I'm tired of pitting small business against big business," he said.
Despite Labor opposition to the government's plan, Mr Pearson hopes Opposition Leader Bill Shorten is genuine when he says he is a friend of business.
