Small business is the backbone of my electorate of O'Connor. Whether it's a family run shop, a tourism operator, a tradie, a farmer or a regional manufacturer, small businesses create jobs, support local communities and drive economic growth.

Last week, I hosted Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, the shadow minister for small business, skills and training, on a listening tour of O'Connor. Together, we met with over 500 constituents, hearing directly from those working hard every day to keep their regional businesses operating under increasingly challenging circumstances. In Manjimup, we visited the Avocado Collective, a $20 million grower led investment which has embraced automation but continues to rely heavily on PALM workers and those on working holiday visas. At a Southern Forests business forum, we heard about the impact of industrial relations changes like same job, same pay, which pits school leavers against older, experienced workers. In Albany, we visited Himac, a successful local manufacturer employing more than 60 workers, including seven apprentices. Himac produces world-class machinery attachments, competing successfully against cheap imports, but faces mounting regulatory pressures and rising operating costs. At an Esperance small business roundtable, local veterinarian Dr David Swan spoke of the burden red tape increasingly places on businesses like his, which employs over 35 people. We visited award-winning Esperance Pink Lake Butchers, who, in the face of escalating merchant fee cost burdens, are encouraging and embracing cash shoppers. In the Goldfields, businesses told us that, despite fee-free TAFE courses, employers need practical support and incentives to take on apprentices. We also met with the Goldfields Aboriginal Business Chamber, which represents almost 120 Indigenous businesses across the region. The message was abundantly clear: even well-run businesses are finding it harder to survive, let alone thrive. Nationally, more than 11,000 companies became insolvent during the 2023-24 financial year, and recent industry surveys suggest that almost half of Australia's 2.5 million small businesses are not breaking even. Senator Nampijinpa Price reported that around 30 small businesses are closing every day.

These are deeply concerning statistics, and that's why the coalition has a clear plan to back small business, not break it. A re-elected coalition government will support investment through a $50,000 instant asset write-off. We will cut red tape, reduce unnecessary compliance costs, simplify regulations and ensure that the impact on small business is considered before new rules are imposed. That's the exact opposite of this tone-deaf Labor government, who have delivered destructive policies without consultation. For regional communities like mine, we will address workforce shortages, support skilled migration, strengthen apprenticeship pathways and ensure businesses have the infrastructure and services they need. The small businesses of O'Connor are not asking for special treatment; they're just asking for a fair go.