Federal opposition slams Labor’s handling of cost-of-living while visiting Sunshine Coast businesses

The federal deputy opposition leader has slammed the Albanese government’s handling of the cost-of-living crisis while visiting struggling small businesses on the Sunshine Coast.

Sussan Ley at Walkers Seafood in Mooloolaba on Tuesday.

The federal deputy opposition leader has slammed the Albanese government’s handling of the cost-of-living crisis while visiting small businesses on the Sunshine Coast.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley, spoke outside the locally-owned Walker Seafoods in Mooloolaba on Tuesday, addressing the struggles plaguing small businesses in the region.

“Australia has had more businesses go to the wall in the past year than ever before,” Ms Ley said.

“We have seen the highest rate of business failures on record. Thousands of our small businesses have gone bust because Labor has failed to deliver a proper economic plan.”

Fisher MP Andrew Wallace joined Ms Ley in criticising the federal government’s handling of the pressures impacting small and locally-owned businesses.

“Nowhere is this more evident than in industries like fisheries and hospitality. World-class companies like Walker Seafoods in Mooloolaba are paying the price for out-of-control taxes, workplace relations, skilled visa changes, and power prices,” Mr Wallace said.

“This has knock-on effects up and down the economy, including family-run restaurants, cafes, and exporters.”

Deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley at Walkers Seafood in Mooloolaba on Tuesday. Pic: Supplied.

Both Mr Wallace and Ms Ley were also asked about their thoughts on the recent US election, with Mr Wallace stating he saw “no greater” relationship than that of the US and Australia for trade.

When asked if she believed the “anti-incumbent” attitude would allow the federal opposition to “ride” into government, Ms Ley said cost-of-living would remain the number one issue for voters ahead of the federal election.

“One thing I do know, and we do know, is that cost-of-living is the number-one issue for every single Australian. And as I speak to small businesses like Walker Seafoods, an incredible dynamic local business telling us frankly and fearlessly how it really is,” Ms Ley said.

Federal minister for small business, Julie Collins, said the LNP voted against supports introduced for small businesses like Walker Seafoods.

“Labor is the party of small business. Our Government is helping to ease the pressure on Australia’s 2.5 million small businesses by providing more than $640m in practical and targeted support,” Ms Collins said.

“We are extending the $20,000 instant asset write-off, making it easier for small businesses to invest and grow.

“We are providing further targeted energy bill relief of $325 to around one million eligible small businesses through the Energy Bill Relief Fund, which builds on the up to $650 rebate that was provided last financial year.

“Sussan Ley and the Liberals voted against this support for small businesses.”