With the Federal Election campaign in full swing, CCIWA is advocating for polices that support businesses, create jobs and grow the economy.
From re-instating the instant asset write-off to rethinking the ‘Nature Positive’ plan, we have laid out our priorities for the next federal government.
Instant Asset Write-Off:
The Instant Asset Write-Off scheme has been a lifeline to tens of thousands of small and medium sized businesses.
It allowed them to claim tax deductions on business assets like cars, equipment and machinery, up to $20,000.
The scheme was slashed to just $1,000 in the March Federal Budget.
It’s a real hit to many businesses who are being squeezed by rising costs.
CCIWA is calling on the Prime Minister to re-instate the Instant Asset Write-Off scheme to $20,000.
Nature Positive:
Federal Labor’s “Nature Positive” reforms will be back on the table if the Government is re-elected on May 3.
CCIWA is concerned that a new Canberra-Based bureaucracy will add green tape, blocking economy defining projects without considering the social and economic benefits they would bring.
It would also duplicate thorough approvals already happening at a state level, blowing out timelines and costs. This could derail projects in mining, clean energy, housing, agriculture, defence and more.
It would have an oversized impact on WA jobs and the economy because of our resources sector.
CCIWA is calling on the Prime Minister to commit to deep consultation with industry and significant changes to Nature Positive if it is re-elected.
Cutting red tape for small biz:
We’re calling for bipartisan support for the Australian gas industry. Gas is the linchpin of our economy and supports industry, keeps electricity costs down and it will keep the lights on as we transition to more renewables.
We need policies that recognise the natural role gas will play in our economy in coming decades.
CCIWA is also calling for a change to the definition of small business. Currently, businesses with as few as 15 employees are not considered to be small and face a web of red tape generally intended for much larger businesses. It’s a huge burden that needs to be fixed.
Industrial Relations:
Businesses have been overwhelmed with significant changes to workplace laws. A 40% increase in working days lost to industrial action in 2024 shows the union movement has been emboldened by dramatic changes to the Federal industrial relations regime.
Worryingly, we now see the union movement increasing its presence in the Pilbara after being virtually absent for decades, forcing its way into negotiations whether workers want it or not.
This should serve as a wake-up call to the Federal Government that it has got the balance wrong. It’s IR reforms, which touch every single business in the country, are directly leading to industrial strife in Australian workplaces. We need an industrial relations system that can give investors confidence, not one that hands excessive power to union bosses.
CCIWA cis calling on all political parties to commit to reestablishing a more balanced industrial relations system.
To find out more about what we stand for, visit our Policy and Advocacy page.
