Ahead of the federal election on 3 May, the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) and the Business Council of Australia (BCA) will host The Business Debate with Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor going head to head on key economic issues.
The debate, which is set to happen on 23 April, will be the first time during the election campaign that a debate is held directly with representatives from both small and large businesses in attendance. This is also expected to be the last economic debate of the campaign.
Business Council of Australia Chief Executive Bran Black said that the business debate allows 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,” 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,” he added.
COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraat also looks forward to co-hosting the debate saying, “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.”
COSBOA and CBA have previously published an open letter calling on candidates and politicians from all political sides to come together in forming a common agenda that will support the growth and prosperity of all Australian businesses.
Achterstraat said, “During uncertain economic times, dialogue and engagement between industry has never been more important.”
