Budget delivers on responsible management and cost of living relief, says AFGC

Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) CEO Tanya Barden says the 2023 Federal Budget will help Australians facing soaring living costs and provides important support for small businesses in the transition to a clean energy future with the $310m Small Business Energy Incentive. 

“We congratulate the government on its responsible decision to bank most of the windfall gains we see in this year’s budget. It is important to work to stabilise the economy now as we still face great global economic uncertainty. 

“This budget provides much-needed cost of living relief while initiatives such as the Small Business Energy Incentive can help small and medium food and grocery manufacturers invest in upgraded, energy-saving plant and equipment. 

“This is sensible support for a vital industry that keeps supermarket shelves stocked but is still facing fragile supply chains, soaring input costs and subsidised foreign competitors. 

“The $134 billion food and grocery manufacturing industry has a vital role in our economy: it is the nation’s biggest manufacturing sector and is also leading the creation of a national scheme to recycle soft plastic packaging. 

“More broadly, the cost of living measures announced tonight recognise that higher levels of discretionary spending are essential drivers of growth. Making it easier for Australians to support local business in these tough times is an investment in the future.”