With a looming federal election and a decade of deficits forecast, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has framed this year’s budget as a “platform for prosperity” – balancing modest cost-of-living relief with broader ambitions to build economic resilience. But beyond the politics, what does it all mean for business? We asked a founder, an investor, and a CEO to weigh in on what they’re watching – and why it matters.
The Founder
Katherine McConnell, Founder and CEO of Brighte
As Australian families grapple with rising living costs and soaring energy bills, there’s a practical solution right above our heads: rooftop solar. With over 4 million homes already harnessing the sun, the missing link is clear – affordable home batteries.
Today’s Federal Budget presents a golden opportunity to move beyond short-term energy bill relief and invest in long-term solutions that deliver real, lasting impact. While many households have embraced solar, the upfront cost of batteries keeps energy storage out of reach for most Australians.
A national battery rebate would make clean energy storage accessible, cut household power bills, and strengthen the electricity grid. Government support helped millions install rooftop solar – now it’s time to back it up with batteries.
If this isn’t addressed in today’s Budget, we urge both major parties to make it a priority in their election platforms. It’s a smart, scalable solution to the cost-of-living crisis – and a win for Australian families.
The Investor
Bede Moore, Global Chief Commercial Officer of Antler
We will be closely watching what concrete commitments the government makes towards building Australia’s AI and digital infrastructure, especially in light of relatively modest investments over the last couple of budgets.
AI is a general purpose technology that is going to impact all aspects of Australian business and society. We need policy and investment – hopefully included in tonight’s budget – which comprehends the scale of the changes currently unfolding and positions Australia to adopt the technology in ways that are consistent with our national interest.”
The CEO
Tracey Warren, F5 Collective CEO
At F5, we will be watching closely for any measures that provide meaningful support to women in business. Between 2006 and 2021, the number of female small business owners surged by 24%, outpacing the growth rate of their male counterparts by more than three times.
Too often, government policy and funding are directed toward early-stage startups or high-growth tech, overlooking the thousands of women-led businesses that are creating jobs, driving innovation, and contributing to the real economy every day. Women now own 34% of all small businesses in Australia, a figure that has been steadily increasing over the past two decades.
These women may not always fit the typical startup narrative, but they are building resilient businesses, fuelling communities, and powering the sectors that form the backbone of Australia’s economy – small business.
