Why Small Businesses Deserve Better! SEED PLUS supports FAIR GO campaign.
Discover how the Fair Go campaign supports Australian small businesses and how SEED PLUS helps businesses navigate the proposed 2026 tax changes.
Small businesses have always been the backbone of Australia’s economy.
They create jobs, support local communities, invest in innovation, and provide opportunities that large corporations often cannot. Every café, builder, retailer, medical practice, tradesperson, manufacturer, childcare centre and professional service contributes to keeping Australia’s economy moving.
Yet today, many Australian small business owners are facing one of the most challenging economic environments in decades.
Higher interest rates, rising wages, increased operating costs, insurance premiums, energy prices, rent increases and reduced consumer spending have significantly reduced business profitability. Many owners are working longer hours while taking home less income than ever before.
Against this backdrop, the 2026 Federal Budget announced several proposed tax reforms affecting capital gains tax (CGT) and discretionary family trusts. While the Government has announced that a key small business CGT concession will be extended following advocacy from the small business sector, proposed changes to the taxation of family trusts remain under consultation and continue to concern many family-owned businesses.
This is exactly why the Fair Go Campaign, led by COSBOA (Council of Small Business Organisations Australia), has become an important voice for Australia’s small business community.
At SEED PLUS, we proudly support initiatives that encourage practical, sustainable policies that allow Australian small businesses to thrive.
Why Small Businesses Are the Engine of Every Economy
There is a reason economists often describe small businesses as the engine room of an economy.
In Australia:
- More than 97% of all businesses are small businesses
- Small businesses employ over five million Australians
- They contribute more than $500 billion annually to Australia’s economy.
But their importance extends far beyond statistics.
Small businesses:
- Create employment opportunities
- Support local suppliers
- Sponsor community organisations
- Train apprentices
- Invest in regional communities
- Drive innovation
- Build wealth for ordinary Australian families
Unlike multinational corporations, most Australian small businesses are owned by everyday families who have invested years—sometimes decades—into building something meaningful.
Many owners have sacrificed holidays, weekends, superannuation and steady salaries in order to create businesses that support their employees and communities.
When small businesses succeed, entire communities prosper.
When Small Businesses Struggle, Everyone Feels the Impact
Small businesses do not operate in isolation.
If policies reduce confidence or increase financial pressure, the effects extend well beyond the business owner.
Potential consequences include:
Reduced Employment
Businesses delay hiring or reduce staff numbers.
Less Investment
Expansion plans are postponed.
Equipment upgrades are cancelled.
Innovation slows.
Lower Consumer Spending
Business owners and employees become more cautious with spending.
Local economies weaken.
Reduced Competition
Smaller operators may exit industries, leaving consumers with fewer choices.
Family Financial Stress
Behind almost every small business is a family.
Many owners have personally guaranteed business loans, invested their savings and accepted significant financial risk.
When profitability falls, the impact reaches:
- spouses
- children
- employees
- suppliers
- local communities
Strong small businesses create resilient communities.
Weak small businesses create uncertainty across the broader economy.
Understanding the Fair Go Campaign
The Fair Go Campaign was established to ensure Australia’s small business owners have an opportunity to share how the proposed Budget tax changes may affect them.
The campaign recognises that while the Government has responded to advocacy by extending a key small business CGT concession to more businesses, concerns remain regarding the proposed taxation changes for discretionary family trusts.
According to the campaign, many family businesses are concerned that these proposed changes could:
- increase their overall tax burden
- reduce investment confidence
- complicate succession planning
- create restructuring costs
- affect retirement planning
The Fair Go campaign encourages business owners to share their stories and contact their local Members of Parliament so policymakers understand the practical impact these proposals may have on Australia’s small business sector.
You can learn more about the campaign here:
SEED PLUS Supports Australia’s Small Business Community
At SEED PLUS, we work with small business owners every day.
We understand the challenges because we see them firsthand.
Our clients include:
- Family businesses
- Tradies
- Medical professionals
- Retailers
- Hospitality operators
- Childcare businesses
- Professional service firms
- Property investors
- Start-ups
Every business has a unique story.
Every owner has invested years of hard work into building their future.
That is why we believe policy changes affecting small businesses should be practical, balanced and carefully considered.
We support the Fair Go campaign because we believe Australia’s entrepreneurs deserve certainty, fairness and the confidence to continue investing in their businesses, employees and communities.
How SEED PLUS Helps Businesses Navigate Change
Regardless of future legislative outcomes, business owners need trusted advice.
SEED PLUS helps businesses prepare, adapt and grow by providing strategic advice tailored to changing tax and regulatory environments.
Our services include:
Business Structure Reviews
We assess whether your existing structure remains appropriate for your long-term goals.
Family Trust Advice
We help clients understand how proposed changes may affect their business and discuss available options based on current law.
Tax Planning
We identify opportunities to improve tax efficiency while remaining compliant.
Business Advisory
We work with clients to improve profitability, cash flow and business resilience.
Succession Planning
Helping families prepare for future ownership transitions.
Asset Protection
Reviewing business structures to help protect long-term wealth.
Growth Planning
Supporting businesses that want to expand despite economic uncertainty.
Rather than reacting after changes occur, we encourage businesses to plan early.
Why Business Owners Should Act Now
Although some proposed measures remain subject to consultation and legislation, uncertainty itself can influence business decisions.
Now is a good time to:
- Review your business structure.
- Understand how proposed tax reforms could affect your circumstances.
- Update your succession and retirement plans.
- Improve cash flow management.
- Seek professional advice before making major decisions.
Being proactive today can reduce uncertainty tomorrow.
Standing Together for Australia’s Small Business Future
Australia’s small businesses have carried our economy through recessions, natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic and periods of economic uncertainty.
They deserve policies that encourage entrepreneurship, investment and long-term sustainability.
Whether you operate a café, construction company, childcare centre, professional practice, manufacturing business or family enterprise, your contribution matters.
At SEED PLUS, we remain committed to supporting Australian small businesses by providing trusted accounting, taxation and business advisory services.
We also support initiatives like the Fair Go campaign that encourage constructive dialogue between government and the businesses that power our economy.
Because when small businesses succeed, Australia succeeds.
How SEED PLUS Can Help
If you’re concerned about how the proposed 2026 Federal Budget tax changes may affect your business, now is the right time to seek professional advice.
Our experienced team can help you:
- Review your current business structure
- Understand the potential impact of proposed tax reforms
- Develop tax-efficient strategies based on current legislation
- Strengthen your business for long-term growth
- Build a resilient business that can adapt to future changes
At SEED PLUS, we don’t just prepare tax returns but we partner with Australian small businesses to help them grow, protect their future and navigate change with confidence.
Contact SEED PLUS today to discuss your business strategy and ensure you’re prepared for whatever comes next.
Partner with SEED PLUS: Your Growth Catalyst
The prosperity of Melbourne depends directly on the strength of its small businesses. At SEED PLUS, our mission is to eliminate the friction of compliance and financial administration, allowing business owners to focus entirely on what they do best: building exceptional companies.
Whether you are an independent small business looking for robust bookkeeping and tax solutions, or a growing accounting practice seeking to scale your capacity through an outsourced partnership, we have the local expertise and infrastructure to guide you.
Take the Next Step in Your Business Journey
Don’t let tedious bookkeeping and complex tax compliance hold your business back from its true potential. Contact our expert team today to align your financial strategies with sustainable growth.
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Office Location: Suite 600, Waterman Caribbean Park, 44 Lakeview Drive, Scoresby, Victoria 3179
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Phone Contact: (03) 6153 0180 / 0480 033 518
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Email Correspondence: info@seedplus.com.au
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Digital Appointment Booking: Head directly to our [Book Free Consultation] page to schedule a comprehensive financial review with our Melburnian specialists.
Disclaimer
This blog provides general information only and should not be relied upon as specific advice for your circumstances. Tax and accounting regulations are complex and subject to change. Every business situation is unique, and the right approach depends on your specific circumstances.
Before making any decisions about your PAYG instalments or other tax matters, you should consult with qualified accounting and tax professionals who can assess your individual situation and provide advice tailored to your needs.
The information in this blog is current as of the publication date and is based on Australian Taxation Office guidelines and Australian accounting standards. However, tax laws and regulations change regularly, and you should verify that the information remains current before acting on it.
Get Professional Support
Contact SEED PLUS today! Let’s make your business shine, not just in profits, but in positive impact on the society, environment and economy too.
Contact our office: (03) 6153 0180 to discuss your scenario.
