Small Business Cabinet post welcomed, but....

SYDNEY – March 5, 2012: The Australian Motor Industry Federation, representing the interests of 100,000 businesses and their 310,000 employees, today welcomed the elevation of small business to Cabinet and the appointment of the Hon. Brendan O’Connor MP as Minister.

Federation CEO, Richard Dudley said recognition for small business in Cabinet was long overdue but the challenge now was to match this decision with real support, real reform and real progress – not just rhetoric.

“Unfair competitive environments; poor, inconsistent and constrictive legislation and regulation; compliance burdens, restrictive and punitive taxation regimes, and workplace relations, are all issues impacting the small business sector.

“The Federation calls for the establishment of a small central agency to support the need for coordinated policy development and meaningful reform for small business.

Without an engine room the Minister cannot be expected to sift through a plethora of advice from across government on a myriad of issues which arguably has been an impediment to successful reform in the past.

Mr Dudley said the Federation looks forward to engaging with the Honourable Member for Gorton and government about progressing these issues.