I'm delighted to be contributing to the Chatswood Chamber e-newsletter. Small business is the backbone of our economy — and the conversations I have with Bradfield's business community are among the most valuable I have. Before entering Parliament, I spent my career as an executive in clean energy and finance. I came to this job because I believe Australia has every advantage it needs to thrive in the 21st century — but only if we get the policy settings right.
Which brings me to something that has occupied much of my budget week in Canberra.
The Government's proposed capital gains tax changes were presented as a housing policy. Property investors have held a structural advantage over first home buyers for decades, and there is genuine community support for addressing that.
But somewhere between the announcement and the legislation, the policy grew. It now reaches across shares, ETFs, and start-up equity — asset classes with fundamentally different economic roles, often essential to driving the productivity growth Australia badly needs.
I have called for the changes to the CGT discount to be ring-fenced to property. The Government sold this as a housing policy – that is where the problem is, and that is where the fix should be.
I have also surveyed our community on this, namely the impact of these changes on start-ups and small businesses. The results left little room for doubt. Four in five respondents believe property gains and start-up gains are simply not the same thing — and that the tax system should reflect that. Three in four support a carve-out for founders. Nearly half want Australia to look at a UK-style model with differentiated rates. Only one in seven back the Government's current approach.
Bradfield deserves policy that is fair, considered, and properly tested. As your independent member, my job is to make sure that standard is met — and to keep pressing until it is.
I look forward to updating you as this progresses. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to get in touch — I genuinely welcome your views and perspectives. You can reach me anytime at
[email protected].