Too Big to Ignore - VACC Supports Campaign to Promote Small Business

MELBOURNE – April 17, 2013: VACC welcomes ACCI’s ‘Small Business–Too Big to Ignore’ campaign because it sends a message to politicians that the next Australian Government must listen to the concerns of small business owners.

“VACC represents 5,300 small business members in the retail, service and repair sector of the automotive industry. VACC promotes small business issues, provides business owners with key services and lobbies on their behalf. We welcome the opportunity to join forces with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the ‘Small Business–Too Big to Ignore’ campaign,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

“Small business is under the pump. Today, a handful of big businesses squeeze their small business suppliers, requiring them to do more for less. Responsible market intervention by Government is the only way many small businesses will survive. Protection of small business means retention of employment and investment in skills development,” Mr Purchase said.

Two million small business owners employ more than 60 per cent of the Australian workforce and ninety five per cent of businesses in Australia are small businesses. However, despite these facts, small business owners are increasingly frustrated that governments take them for granted and fail to appreciate their significance as employers, decision makers and members of the community.

“In a nutshell, it is about government making it easier, not harder, to succeed in business. No longer does that frustration need to gnaw away on the inside. It’s time to get active in a civil but loud and visible way,” ACCI, Chief Executive, Peter Anderson, said.

The ‘Small Business–Too Big to Ignore’ campaign identifies four key areas, including reducing government cost and red-tape burdens, employment reform, tax relief and better infrastructure. The campaign leverages off the ACCI member network and is a grass roots movement, uniting the many small business voices around the country.

“The Federal Election is a significant date, but support for small business goes beyond the ballot box. Governments are not going to be able to reverse the fortunes of small businesses if they don’t value and recognise their contribution to the economy now and into the future,” Mr Purchase said.