COSBOA Calls for action on energy costs for small business

Small business owners are calling for action on rising energy prices as COSBOA’s Energy Summit examines what the government needs to do to address the problem.

The Summit was opened by the Federal Minister for Energy, the Hon. Angus Taylor MP and Shadow Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Mr Pat Conroy MP, and the Deputy Leader of The Australian Greens, Mr Adam Bandt MP also delivered presentations.

Small business owners and representatives from industry associations, consumer bodies, electricity supply companies and other stakeholders were present to discuss the issues.

The main outcome of the day was an agreement that the industry and government need to work together to confront the energy crisis and that a piecemeal approach or antagonistic dialogue will not identify and resolve problems.

Peter Strong, CEO of COSBOA, stated, “The Summit was held to confront the issues of energy supply and costs and associated business and economic risks. We met, as members of the business community, to advance dialogue and find ways to work together and develop better futures. We needed to agree on what exactly are the problems and issues; and then, together, confront and resolve these problems.

“The agreement to work together may seem a trite or obvious outcome but given the failures of governments throughout the last 30 years in developing a good policy for energy, it is more important than ever that we in the business community work together. Business and energy producers arguing separately over who is at fault or what is the best solution is not productive.

“This Summit was the first time we have come together to confront the energy conundrum and it will not be the last. It is big and small businesses are leading the way on making sure our economy can continue to be world class; and access reliable, affordable energy with responsible environmental management – key issues for our future.”