Is the 2026 Federal Budget actually anti-small business? Amanda Rose thinks so
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Amanda Rose is the Founder and CEO of Entrepreneurial and Small Business Women Australia (ESBWA), a keynote speaker, media commentator, and one of Australia's most prominent advocates for small business. She appears regularly on Channel 7, Sky News, and in the Australian Financial Review.
In this episode, she joins The Account Rant to give her unfiltered take on the federal budget, the tax changes hitting small business owners, and why she thinks the government is playing a dangerous us versus them game with workers and employers.
This is a conversation that goes well beyond tax. It covers the real experience of running a small business in Australia, why legislation designed for big business keeps hurting the small end of town, and what it would actually take to change things.
We cover:
Why Amanda thinks the budget is designed to wipe out the middle class
How small business owners are being demonised while paying more tax than anyone
Why legislation like right to disconnect hurts small business more than big business
The reality of waking up as a small business owner every single morning
Why 70% of job growth in Australia is now government-led
What a well-funded campaign for small business could actually look like
Whether small business ownership is still worth it for young Australians
Why Amanda says to get a good accountant before anything else
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction — Amanda Rose returns to The Account Rant
0:22 First thoughts on the 2026 Federal Budget
0:44 The narrative dividing workers and small business owners
1:30 What the economy looks like when left alone
2:14 The reality of being a small business owner
3:08 Who small business owners actually support in their community
3:40 Why legislation built for big business hurts small business
5:21 Where are jobs actually being created in Australia?
6:06 How do we champion small business in this country?
6:53 Why there is no real advocate for small business in Australia
8:05 A long-term strategy for small business political representation
9:00 How do you sell the idea of small business to workers?
9:40 What a good campaign for small business looks like
11:34 What happens if this budget gets passed
12:00 Do Labor care about the backlash?
14:05 Is small business ownership still a good path for young Australians?
15:22 Practical advice before starting a business
15:46 Why working with a small business is just as valuable as starting one
Whether you run a business, work for one, or are thinking about starting one, this episode is worth your time.
ABOUT AMANDA ROSE
Website 👉 https://www.amandarose.com.au
Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/theamandarose
LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandarosemedia
YouTube 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheAmandaRoseTV
ESBWA 👉 https://www.esbwa.com.au
OUR SERVICES 👉 https://latitudeaccountants.com.au/accounting-
services/
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The Account Rant is a show where accountants vent on different business, tax and money topics. It is an honest and informal conversation intended for discussion and entertainment only. Views expressed are personal opinions and should not be taken as professional advice. Any examples, numbers or figures mentioned may be simplified and should not be relied on.
Disclaimer: This video is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute formal financial, legal, tax or business advice.