Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) has put forward a series of policy proposals ahead of the 2025 federal election.
The organisation is advocating for practical measures designed to strengthen financial security, boost productivity, and ensure regulatory certainty across Australia.
The proposed policies range from enhancing efforts to combat money laundering to improving access to financial advice for Australians who need it most.
CA ANZ CEO Ainslie van Onselen expects the upcoming election to adopt policies that will positively impact Australians and alleviate the burdens faced by small businesses.
She added: “Our message to political parties and parliamentarians is clear: Australians need help, and we have some practical and implementable policy asks for you.
“From scrapping the annual superannuation cap to improve women’s financial security to freeing up small business cash-flow – these are pragmatic steps that can make a big difference.”
Among the seven policies, CA ANZ is pushing for reforms that would enable all Australians to receive financial advice from qualified accountants.
The organisation also suggests cementing the instant asset write-off as a permanent fixture to provide small businesses with crucial cash-flow stability.
Further proposals include abolishing the annual superannuation cap, to bolster retirement savings and enhance women’s financial security, simplifying the crackdown on money laundering with complimentary ASIC checks, and addressing the skills shortage coupled with reduced education costs to drive productivity.
Additionally, CA ANZ is advocating for climate disclosures to ensure regulatory and investor certainty, urging Australia to keep pace with global advancements in digital reporting.
Ainslie van Onselen also emphasised the body’s call for tax reform, urging the next government to lessen dependence on personal income tax.
In January 2025, CA ANZ backed the approval of new climate reporting and assurance standards for Australia.
The move is expected to clarify sustainability and climate risk assurance for the accountancy profession, businesses, and retail investors.
