Australia’s small businesses are in crisis. From our local cafés to hardworking family-run construction firms, thousands are collapsing under the weight of rising costs, unfair taxes, and poor government decisions. One Nation’s Chief of Staff James Ashby joined Sky News to expose how Labor’s economic mismanagement is killing the Aussie dream of small business ownersh

10,400 Business Collapses in 12 Months – A National Tragedy
James Ashby didn't mince words: “A day doesn’t go by where we don’t see a business fall over.” New figures show a record 10,400 business collapses in the past year — the highest ever. From hospitality to construction, Aussie businesses are going under while Labor pats itself on the back, claiming everything is “great.”

Ashby calls out the truth: Labor is out of touch with the real struggles of everyday Australians.

ATO Debt Crackdown Targets Small Operators
When Labor came into power, they ordered the Australian Tax Office (ATO) to crack down hard on businesses with tax debts. But who did this hit hardest? The very sectors already smashed by COVID lockdowns and skyrocketing costs — hospitality and construction.

Ashby pointed out the hypocrisy:
“Student loans are over $80 billion, but they’re not chasing that. They’re going after businesses.”

Labor simply doesn’t understand—or worse, doesn’t care—how hard it is for small businesses to stay afloat. Instead of helping, they’re punishing the very people who keep Australia working.

Builders Left Jobless, Licences Lost

Ashby highlighted the domino effect in Queensland and beyond:
Rising material costs and tax pressure drive builders into bankruptcy.
They lose their licences.
Australia is left without the skilled workers we desperately need.

This is not just economic failure—it’s national neglect. And the blame lies squarely with the Albanese Government.

• Rising Costs, Vanishing Support
• Small cafés and local businesses now struggle to survive as costs spiral out of control:
  
• Rent
  
• Wages
  
• Insurance
  
• Electricity
  
• Gas
  
• Interest rates

Jamie Rogers, also on the panel, described the pain of café owners forced to charge $10 for two coffees, just to cover costs. These price hikes aren’t greed—they’re survival.

Labor’s empty claims about “falling inflation” don’t match the reality Australians see at the checkout or feel in their wallets.

One Nation Stands with Small Business
One Nation understands the challenges of establishing a business from its inception. James Ashby himself came from a small business background. And unlike Labor, we will never forget that small businesses are the backbone of Australia.

Under Labor’s rule, hard-working Aussie families are paying the price. But with One Nation, their voices will be heard.

Time for Real Leadership
Australia doesn’t need more spin from Jim Chalmers or Anthony Albanese. We need real solutions, real relief, and real support for those doing it tough. One Nation will keep fighting to bring accountability, fairness, and strength back to Australia’s economy.

👉 Join the fight. Back Aussie small businesses.