MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
Ms COMER (Petrie) (15:46): I am glad that the member for Gippsland has given me the opportunity to talk about the two backbones of not only our economy but our country—small business and farmers. The government knows just how important small business and Australian farmers to our economy, our communities and our national success. Mr Chester interjecting— Ms COMER: I'd also ask the member for Gippsland to stop interjecting at me, considering I didn't do it to him during his direction.
The reality is that this government is focused on helping Australians with the cost of living while building a stronger economy for our future, and our budget proves it. The government understands just how vital it is that we back small businesses that employ millions of Australians and support the industries that keep our nation moving. In Petrie, I speak with small-business owners every week.
They tell me about the rising costs, workforce shortages, energy prices and challenges of operating in a changing economy. They want practical support, and that is exactly what this government is delivering. This budget provides tax relief for every Australian taxpayer.
That means more money in peoples' pockets and more customers walking through the doors of local businesses. It continues our investments into skills and training, ensuring businesses can find the workers they need. It supports apprentices with free TAFE, which is encouraging workforce participation, and it is helping address one of the biggest concerns raised by employers across the country.
Importantly, it continues our work to ease cost-of-living pressures through cheaper medicines, energy bill relief and a stronger Medicare system. When families have more financial stability, local businesses benefit too. This government is also directly supporting small businesses by making the $20,000 instant asset write-off permanent from next year so small businesses have the confidence to invest in themselves.
This will make a world of difference for the thousands of small businesses in my community. It means more certainty, more cashflow and less compliance costs. Small businesses are the engine room of our economy.
They sponsor our local sporting clubs, employ local people and help build the character of our communities. Whether it's a family owned cafe, a local tradie, a retailer or a manufacturer, they need a government that is focused on helping them grow and succeed, and that is exactly what we're doing through our investments in skills, infrastructure and economic opportunity.
Australian agriculture is one of our nation's great success stories. Whilst we don't have many farmers in the electorate of Petrie, the vital work our Aussie farmers do benefits every member of the community. Our farmers feed our nation, contribute billions to exports and support regional communities right across the country.
This government recognises that, and we'll continue to always support our farmers. We continue to invest in agricultural productivity, biosecurity and export opportunities. This government, led by the amazing work of the trade minister, Senator Farrell, has opened Australia's export markets across the world, including the new European Union trade agreement, which means consumers all across the globe will be able to enjoy some of the best-quality produce in the world provided by our farmers—including Tasmanian farmers.
We understand that farmers face real challenges, from natural disasters to global market volatility. That is why our focus is on practical support and long-term resilience rather than cheap political point scoring. Strong agriculture requires strong infrastructure, strong export markets, strong workforce participation and strong environmental stewardship.
Australian farmers have shown incredible resilience through floods, droughts and global disruptions. Our role as a government is to ensure they have the tools, supports and market access they need to continue thriving and contributing to Australia's economic success. The choice before Australia is not between supporting families and supporting businesses, or between helping communities and growing the economy; the choice is whether to build an economy that works for everyone, and that is what this government is doing.
The budget recognises that economic strength comes from investing in people, supporting businesses, backing Australian industry and creating opportunities for future generations.