I stand in support of this motion. It is clear that the Albanese Labor government does not understand small business, as has been evident this week. Treasurer Jim Chalmers and the Albanese government have been forced, once again, to backflip on a poor policy decision. Surprise, surprise!

The credit card surcharge ban and the ATO credit card debacle are just the latest examples of Labor's inability to consider the consequences of their actions. Prime Minister Albanese promised Australians they would save money every time they tapped their cards. But banning a credit card surcharge does not magically make the underlying transaction costs disappear. These costs must still be paid by someone. That someone is either the small businesses wearing the cost or Australians ultimately paying more at the check-out. Small businesses are the backbone of our community. They deserve a government that recognises the realities of running a business, not one that leaves them struggling with yet another unnecessary bill.

Labor's lack of consultation is absolutely evident in the ATO's backflip, delaying these changes until 30 June 2027. This capitulation raises the obvious question: why wasn't industry properly consulted before these changes were announced? It feels like deja vu. Why didn't the Albanese Labor government actually listen to small businesses, who have been crying out for help and support from their government? Instead, this ATO credit card debacle has added unnecessary stress and angst when small businesses already have enough to worry about. For many small-business owners, the ability to pay a tax bill by credit card helps manage cash flow during difficult periods, as we just heard. Removing that option only makes an already challenging situation even harder.

The ATO has estimated that absorbing credit card processing fees would cost the government around $200 million a year and declared that it is not tenable for the ATO to absorb the costs associated with accepting credit cards on an ongoing basis. No kidding! It is also not tenable for small businesses to have to absorb these costs. A small-business owner, Glen, recently told me that some of his suppliers are now refusing to accept card payments. Surprise, surprise! This is called the knock-on effect. Some are adding new admin fees at 1.5 per cent, and others are saying, if Glen's business needs to use a card payment, the fees still apply. It's as clear as mud for some small businesses trying to do the right thing and play by Labor's rules and shifting goalposts, which they were not consulted about once more.

Small businesses need a government who knows the pressures of running a small business, not one that places even more burdens on them. The Labor government seems to have made a real habit of announcing first, listening second and backflipping third. Small businesses deserve better.