The Coffee Commune Hosts Key Liberal Party Leaders to Discuss Small Business Support
Brisbane, 20 November 2024 – In a significant step for Australia’s small business and hospitality sectors, Phillip Di Bella, founder of The Coffee Commune, met with prominent members of the Federal Liberal Party at his Brisbane-based facility. The meeting was attended by Peter Dutton, Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, and Michaelia Cash, Shadow Attorney-General and Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations.
The hour-and-a-half discussion centred on the challenges facing small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), particularly within the hospitality industry. Drawing on insights from The Coffee Commune’s 1,100-strong community of members, Di Bella presented actionable recommendations for policy reforms.
Key issues discussed included:
- International Student Visas: Simplifying processes to bolster the workforce.
- Training Wages: Encouraging the development of new talent in the sector.
- Direct Debit Charges: Addressing fees that disproportionately affect small businesses.
- Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) Reform: Reducing burdens to help businesses support their staff effectively.
Di Bella noted that while the hospitality industry is under immense pressure due to rising costs and reduced disposable incomes, this meeting was a proactive step towards finding solutions. “It’s not about politics; it’s about collaboration. We’ve invited all political parties to engage, and we’re thankful to the Liberal Party for listening and taking action.”
Di Bella thanked the Liberal Party leaders for their commitment and emphasised the importance of government collaboration with industries like hospitality to drive meaningful change.
“2024 has been a year of advocacy for The Coffee Commune,” Di Bella said. “We’re determined to keep pushing for reforms that support small businesses and help make tomorrow better than today.”