Albanese wins big but can Labor deliver for small business?

“Australians have chosen optimism and determination,” Anthony Albanese declared, after securing a landslide victory that marks a decisive shift in Australia’s political direction—and one that could reshape the landscape for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

As of Friday night, Labor held 84 seats, while the Liberal-National Coalition trailed. Opposition leader Peter Dutton, who lost his own seat, conceded: “We didn’t do well enough… I take full responsibility.”

The election outcome gives Labor a strengthened mandate, returning Albanese as prime minister at a time when many small business owners are contending with rising costs, tightening margins, and increasing compliance demands. In his victory speech, the PM sought to steady national sentiment: “In this time of global uncertainty, Australians have voted for Australian values—for fairness, aspiration, and opportunity for all.”

For SMEs, those values will now be tested against policy delivery—particularly around support, regulation, and long-term economic vision.

Short-term wins, long-term questions

Mark Waller, Managing Director of One Click Life, welcomed some measures but questioned their staying power. “Extending the $20,000 instant asset write-off is helpful, but it still feels like a short-term patch. Most small businesses would benefit more from a permanent threshold they can plan around. The constant cycle of change makes long-term investment decisions harder than they need to be.”

Waller added that Labor’s digital ambitions need to be backed by better execution: “Labor’s focus on digital adoption and workforce development is positive, but the rollout often misses the mark. Too many programs are complex or buried in red tape. If you want a small business to engage, you’ve got to meet them where they are.”

Energy sector sees momentum

For businesses in the renewables space, Labor’s re-election signals continuity—and potential acceleration. Debbie Elliot, Director of Operations at Bare Energy, highlighted the Cheaper Home Batteries Program as a standout: “The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is a practical step forward. A 30% subsidy backed by serious funding removes a major barrier for everyday Australians looking to reduce reliance on the grid.

“For the solar sector, it’s a sign the government understands how to accelerate real change—by making it more accessible, not more complicated.”

She added that the program could be a win for both households and the clean energy industry: “If this policy delivers at scale, it won’t just help families save thousands—it will also bring us closer to energy resilience and a net-zero future, one installation at a time.”

Solo operators under pressure

Shani Taylor, an award-winning business coach, flagged concerns for sole traders and micro businesses: “With Labor staying in, we’ll see ongoing support for training, apprenticeships and digital programs, which is great in theory — but solo operators are still being buried under rising compliance demands. When you don’t have a team behind you, the admin pile-up kills your capacity to grow. They’ll run out of steam before they ever make it to the next level.”

She warned of a growing divide: “There’s a real risk that the gap between solo operators and true SMBs will widen under Labor. With new ESG reporting, IR reforms and sustainability pressure, the time and headspace needed to scale just isn’t there. You either hire before you’re ready or burn out trying.”

With a renewed majority, the Albanese government has both the runway and responsibility to translate its vision into meaningful action for SMEs. Business owners will be watching closely to see if optimism turns into tangible, long-term support—or if red tape and patchwork policy remain the norm.

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