Small business policy update: Calls for a better enterprise environment

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has urged the federal government to use the 2026–27 Budget to deliver practical, targeted measures to reduce costs, restore confidence and remove barriersholding back small and family businesses across Australia.

 

ASBFEO’s Pre-Budget Submission highlights several areas where policy changes could make it easier to start, run, grow and transform small businesses. It includes improving tax settings to support early-stage investment, reducing regulatory complexity and ensuring government policies are tested through a “small business first” lens before implementation.

The Ombudsman also points to cost pressures such as payment processing fees, insurance access and cashflow challenges that many small businesses face.

The Federal Government is expected to hand down the 2026–27 Budget in May 2026, when these proposed small business measures will be considered.

For small business owners, these proposed reforms aim to create a fairer, more supportive operating environment that encourages innovation, investment and long-term success.

 

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