Australian small businesses call for more government support

Over two-thirds (71 per cent) of small business owners say the federal government is not doing enough to support them, in a new study by accounting software provider Reckon (ASX:RKN). Government red tape is considered the biggest obstacle to creating a start-up in Australia, with over half (52 per cent) of SMBs agreeing. The survey, which includes over 1,000 Australian SMB owners, reveals which policies would appeal to them in the run-up to the federal election. Small business tax concessions are the most in-demand, with over half (54 per cent) agreeing, followed by a reduction in tax process and compliance (41 per cent) and reduced electricity costs (32 per cent). Small business grants (29 per cent), infrastructure spending (23 per cent) and legislation to stop late contractor payments (20 per cent) are the fourth, fifth and sixth most important factors.