The Institute of Public Accountants' policy priorities to lift Australia’s productivity

The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) outlines its policy priorities for the 2025 federal election, heavily focusing on supporting small business productivity and sustainability.

“We need robust policies underpinned by economic and environmental sustainability,” said IPA CEO Andrew Conway.

“All sides of politics refer to small businesses as the backbone of the Australian economy, yet they often face excessive regulatory burdens, fragmented government support, and difficulties accessing capital.”

What we need is genuine, long-term support and visionary reform to revitalise productivity to grow the economy through small business.”

IPA calls on the next Parliament to focus on four key policy areas that will significantly improve productivity and lift the Australian economy.

  1. Small business productivity
    • Support small business to access affordable finance, upskill their staff, and access international markets
    • Reduce regulatory overload for business
    • Establish a small business agency as a one-stop-shop for small business to navigate government support
  2. Innovation
    • Encourage and support research and development by and with small businesses
  3. Sustainability
    • Encourage the use of technology to support the transition to a sustainable economy
    • Support the shift to a circular economy
  4. Bold and considered tax reform
    • Commit to sensible, well considered, wholesale structural reform of Australia’s taxation system.

“At a time of increasing economic uncertainty, ensuring strong policies and government support for small business is more crucial than ever,” said Conway.

“The IPA is committed to working with the government of the day to create robust policies in the best interests of small business.”

Details of the IPA’s recommendations can be found in the IPA’s Election Priorities Statement here.