National
Australians back subsidies to keep local businesses afloat, survey finds
Australians are strongly backing government support for local businesses, with a new survey revealing widespread support for subsidies, grants and rebates amid growing concern over foreign competition and rising business pressures.
Almost 80% of Australians support government subsidies, rebates and grants to help local businesses survive, according to a new Herald Sun survey conducted after business leaders pushed for a 25% reduction in red tape through the Back Australia campaign. The poll of 1,500 readers found that 79% believe Australian businesses should receive government assistance to remain solvent, while 14% opposed the idea and 7% said they were unsure.
Key highlights
- Nearly 80% of Australians support subsidies for local businesses
- Survey was conducted among 1,500 readers after the Back Australia campaign
- About 89% want more contracts awarded to Australian AI companies
- Readers called for lower red tape and less government interference
- Concerns raised over foreign subsidies and outsourcing risks
Calls grow for less red tape and easier business conditions
Many respondents argued governments should focus on reducing bureaucracy and making it easier for businesses to operate rather than selectively backing industries.
Reader Mike said governments needed to stop “trying to pick winners” through grants and corporate assistance programs.
He argued policymakers should instead focus on simplifying operating conditions for all businesses, adding that recent budget decisions showed governments were out of touch with business realities.
Reader Ian also backed reducing regulation, saying governments should “get out of the road” and allow businesses greater freedom to operate.
Strong support emerges for Australian AI companies
The survey also found overwhelming support for prioritising Australian artificial intelligence companies over overseas firms when awarding contracts.
About 89% of respondents said businesses and governments should direct more work toward local AI companies, while only 5% disagreed and 6% remained undecided.
The findings come amid increasing debate around Australia’s sovereign technology capabilities and growing reliance on foreign digital platforms.
Readers warn Australia risks losing industries
Some respondents argued Australia struggled to compete globally because of lower labour costs overseas.
Reader Stephen pointed to the collapse of Australia’s domestic car manufacturing industry as evidence of the challenges facing local producers.
Others said Australian companies were already competing against heavily subsidised international rivals.
Reader Allan said countries including China and the United States routinely supported local industries through subsidies and trade protections, warning Australia risked losing more domestic industries without similar backing.
He argued there was no such thing as a completely level global playing field and said Australians opposed to subsidies may eventually see their own industries outsourced overseas.
Debate over local industry support intensifies
The survey results are likely to add momentum to calls for stronger support for Australian businesses as companies grapple with rising costs, weaker consumer spending and increasing international competition.
Business groups have repeatedly argued that Australian firms face disadvantages against foreign competitors backed by subsidies, tariffs or lower operating costs.
The growing push to support local AI firms also reflects broader concerns about economic resilience, technological independence and long-term employment opportunities in Australia.
FAQs
Q1: What did the survey find?
The survey found that 79% of respondents support government subsidies, grants and rebates to help Australian businesses remain solvent.
Q2: Who conducted the survey?
The survey was conducted by Herald Sun among 1,500 readers.
Q3: What is the Back Australia campaign?
The Back Australia campaign is a business-led push calling for measures including a 25% reduction in red tape to support local businesses.
Q4: Do Australians support local AI companies?
Yes. Around 89% of respondents said governments and businesses should award more contracts to Australian AI companies instead of foreign firms.
Q5: Why are businesses seeking more support?
Businesses say rising costs, regulation and international competition are making it harder to remain profitable and competitive.
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