Australia’s ongoing debate over the pressures facing small business has been reignited after Jim’s Group founder Jim Penman publicly challenged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to spend an entire working day operating as a franchisee.

Penman argues that many political discussions about small business fail to reflect the day-to-day realities experienced by thousands of franchise operators across the country. According to him, spending a single day managing a real business would provide firsthand insight into the financial risks, administrative workload and constant decision-making required simply to keep operations running.

The comments have attracted attention because they tap into concerns many business owners have expressed over recent years, particularly as operating expenses continue to rise across multiple sectors.

Unlike employees, franchisees often invest significant personal savings before opening their doors. Many borrow money, purchase vehicles or equipment, lease commercial premises and commit to long-term financial obligations long before any profits are guaranteed.

Beyond the initial investment, operators are responsible for paying staff, meeting payroll obligations, maintaining insurance, managing superannuation contributions, keeping up with tax requirements and ensuring compliance with changing workplace regulations.

For many owners, the working day extends well beyond normal business hours. Customer enquiries, scheduling jobs, preparing quotes, ordering supplies, resolving complaints and handling unexpected equipment failures can all become part of the routine.

Penman argues that these responsibilities are rarely visible during broader political debates about economic policy.

His challenge to the Prime Minister centres on experiencing that workload directly rather than discussing small business only through policy announcements or public statements.

According to Penman, a franchise owner’s success depends on balancing rising costs while remaining competitive enough to attract customers who are also dealing with cost-of-living pressures.

That balancing act has become increasingly difficult as expenses have increased across areas such as fuel, insurance, utilities, maintenance and wages.

Many operators also face fluctuating demand, delayed customer payments and increasing administrative requirements that consume time which could otherwise be spent growing their businesses.

Business owners frequently point out that every new compliance obligation carries both financial and administrative costs. While individual changes may appear manageable on their own, the combined effect can place additional pressure on already stretched operators.

For franchisees, these challenges are often personal rather than theoretical.

Unlike larger corporations with dedicated finance, legal and human resources departments, many small businesses rely on owners to perform nearly every role themselves.

It is common for operators to answer customer calls, complete paperwork, organise marketing, supervise staff, manage accounts and still perform the core work that generates income.

When business conditions deteriorate, owners may choose to reduce their own income before cutting staff or services, increasing the financial pressure carried by individuals and families.

Penman’s comments suggest that policymakers would gain a more complete understanding of these realities by spending time working alongside business owners rather than relying solely on economic reports or consultations.

His proposal is straightforward: answer customer enquiries, prepare quotes, travel between jobs, pay suppliers, calculate wages and review what remains after taxes, business expenses and ongoing operating costs.

Supporters of this view argue that direct experience provides a clearer picture of the practical challenges involved in running a small enterprise.

Others note that governments must balance the interests of businesses with broader responsibilities such as protecting employees, maintaining workplace standards and funding public services.

The discussion therefore reflects a wider policy debate rather than a disagreement limited to one individual or one company.

Small businesses collectively employ millions of Australians and remain a significant contributor to the national economy, making government policy in this area an issue closely watched by employers, workers and industry groups alike.

Across Australia, business organisations have continued to raise concerns about issues including labour shortages, inflation, financing costs, taxation, regulation and consumer spending.

At the same time, governments at both federal and state levels have introduced various initiatives aimed at supporting business investment, skills development and economic growth, although opinions differ on whether those measures adequately address the challenges facing smaller operators.

Penman’s latest remarks add another voice to that ongoing conversation.

Whether or not the Prime Minister accepts the invitation, the comments have renewed attention on the everyday realities of running a franchise business and the broader question of how government policy can best support Australia’s small business sector while balancing wider economic priorities.

As economic conditions continue to evolve, discussions around taxation, regulation, labour costs and business confidence are likely to remain central topics for both policymakers and the thousands of Australians who own and operate small businesses across the country.