The Liberals’ plan offers a direct financial lifeline to struggling firms in difficult times and moves to get government out of the way of the entrepreneurial sector of the economy.

A two year window for businesses to offset the tax value of any operating losses they suffer in the 2009 or 2010 years against up to $100,000 of taxes they paid over the past three years – enabling them to be refunded these taxes.

Commonwealth to partially cover the Superannuation Guarantee Contribution for two years, by contributing 3% in the first year and 1.5% in the second year, for firms with 20 or fewer staff. This will make it easier to keep employees on the payroll.

Cut red tape and time spent filling in forms and filing taxes by reducing Australia’s overall regulatory burden to match and surpass OECD best practice.

One-stop-shop regulatory portal providing online access to all forms and filings, regardless of which level of government imposes them. The Coalition will create a small business service delivery agency charged with delivering integrated online access.

More support for family businesses – a new programme of support and advice for family businesses on succession planning and family business professionalisation.

Cabinet-level representation for small firms, ensuring they have a seat at the table in Canberra that matches their importance to the national economy.