The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland, which represents the half-million-strong small business sector, wants to see tangible funding commitments to a transformation ahead of the October 31 poll.

The main election priorities for the state’s businesses are unsurprisingly no new taxes and the removal of red tape, but the Chamber is also urging parties to commit to digitalisation and sustainability.

“As we have been saying consistently throughout the COVID-19 crisis, there is no reverting to business as usual. And that goes for the priorities we are calling for,” CCIQ’s general manager of advocacy and policy Amanda Rohan said.

“Our priorities are based on enabling businesses to succeed now and creating an environment for them to grow and be resilient and sustainable into the future.”

To boost digitalisation political parties are being urged to invest in high-speed internet for regional areas and incentives for businesses to adopt e-commerce.

CCIQ has called for funding for businesses developing technologies to improve efficiency in energy, water and waste. It wants more funding to attract private investment in recycling, renewable energy integration and water security.

Small businesses want workers in industries disrupted by COVID-19 to be retrained, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The CCIQ believes offering incentives for skilled and seasonal workers to live in regions is also extremely important.

“Importantly, there needs to be future policies that lay the foundation of long-term change, incentivising diversification and expansion opportunities. While developing digital adaption and capabilities

“Queensland’s future success is reliant on business success, we can’t emphasise that enough,” Rohan said.

“This election, all political parties need to show business they are prepared to back their success and commit to these election priorities.”

-AAP