Opinion: Forget passive hope, SMEs need to engage with politicians
The future of Australia’s economic landscape is being shaped now, and SMEs must be part of that conversation, writes Sally Branson Dalwood.
A decade ago, I thought I understood small business. Working on then-prime minister Tony Abbott’s small business budget and advising the minister for small business, I felt equipped to support a minister with his own SME experience.
Coming from a family of SME owners and farmers, having run a one-person consultancy and managed an SME, I believed I had a really great understanding of the sector.
Fast forward to today. With a family business, my husband and I each running our own business that employs other people, I realise I was only standing on the tip of the iceberg. Running your own show is not for the faint of heart.
Recently someone I admired for his high and decorated service in emergency services said something that floored me. He said that he admired me for my bravery — that his whole life, he had wanted to run his own business but could never summon the courage. So, as well as summoning the courage to risk it all day in and day out, we’ve got increasing pressure in conditions that don’t feel right for SME growth.
Every SME in Australia should be examining the alignment between our policymakers and the small business sector. We can’t afford not to.
Anyone running their own business cannot afford to not be agitating for our government’s investment in good SME policy. The most glaring issue? Those crafting small business policies often lack direct SME experience.
Our current front bench has just a handful — with Don Farrell who has his winery, Tony Burke who started a small consultancy business in the 90s called Atticus, and one more in the outer ministry, Kristy McBain who was a “small business owner from 2012 to 2020” — which would be her husband’s plumbing business.
It’s not their fault personally, but it does show where the government’s attention is. It is absolutely no secret that historically, trade unions have been a significant source of membership and support for the Australian Labor Party (ALP).
The proving ground for our current politicians in power has been their strong ties to the union movement, which has been a defining characteristic of Labor since its inception. While these experiences can bring certain value to a government (or at the very least a political campaign), they don’t provide any insight into the unique challenges faced by small business owners.
I don’t think I can name a current frontbencher who has ever had to do their own BAS (Business Activity Statement), save a handful exceptions maybe. Compounding this, policies are managed by departments and advisors cushioned by steady salaries, leave loading, and generous superannuation.
Try explaining cash flow. It’s one thing to explain it, it’s one thing to live it. This misalignment is increasingly evident. When industry leaders like Damien Keogh of Hoyts voice concerns about business conditions for larger companies, it’s a red flag for SMEs facing even greater hurdles.
We need policymakers with hands-on SME experience.
As we approach an election, if I were advising ways forward (though let’s be honest, I am not holding my breath for that call), a rapid pivot and steep learning curve would be essential.
It’s time to move beyond lip service.
SMEs feel neglected and feel like their fortunes rest on armchair economics.
Small business feels like it is a safe Opposition seat, similar to the one I grew up in.
They’ve got increasing issues, but they’re continually neglected because they’re never going to vote for the incumbent. It feels like the SME sector is just like my hometown — neglected and facing extinction because they’ll never vote for ALP.
This can’t be the driver for SME policy, so it feels even more essential than ever for SMEs to raise their voices and make their presence felt in the corridors of power.
Proactive engagement is key. SMEs should not wait for an invitation to participate in the policy-making process. Instead, they must contact their local MPs, regardless of party affiliation, and make themselves known to relevant ministers’ offices.
Offering insights, sharing success stories, and even discussing challenges can all serve to keep SMEs on the government’s agenda. Every interaction, from emails to meetings to photo opportunities, presents a chance to highlight the importance of the SME sector.
It’s worth remembering that politicians often need good news stories and local business connections as much as businesses need their attention.
The future of Australia’s economic landscape is being shaped now, and SMEs must be part of that conversation.
Whether it’s tax policy, labour laws, or innovation initiatives, the experiences and perspectives of SME owners are invaluable. There’s a risk that policies will continue to be crafted by those who have never had to meet a payroll or navigate the complexities of running a small business.
The time for passive hope has passed; active engagement is now crucial. The health of individual businesses and the entire SME sector may depend on how effectively they can make their voices heard in this critical period.
We need real-world understanding — policies must reflect the actual challenges of running an SME in Australia. And the only way to get that understanding is to agitate.
Add that to our list of SME to-dos.
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