The Queensland state government has expressed anew its commitment to support the state’s small businesses with the publication of its Small and Family Business First Action Statement.
The statement has acknowledged the importance of small businesses to the state and the challenges they face such as the high cost of doing business, regulatory burden, the impact of global uncertainties and digital transformation.
“A supportive business environment, with a reduced regulatory burden, reduced operating costs, improved access to workforce and skills, easier access to improved services and supports, and higher rates of productivity and innovation, is critical to Queensland’s future success,” the statement said.
In addressing these challenges, the state government stated it is committed to improving the experience of small businesses in dealing with government and making the necessary “positive changes”. As a first step, the state will invest over $100 million within four years to deliver outcomes with the following measures:
- Easier access to government services with Queensland’s first dedicated Business Concierge service and improved access to services.
- Tailored support for small businesses at every step of their business journey.
- Identify and respond to red tape and other pain points with the establishment of a small business first lens to regulation.
- Boost procurement opportunities for small businesses.
- An Apprenticeship Pilot Program that will support small and family businesses taking on apprentices.
In addition, the state government will also seek to address the challenges of the ageing small-business owner population by encouraging more young people to take over or create new businesses.
Small and Family Business Minister Steve Minnikin said that the Action Statement provides practical support and assistance to small and family businesses across the state.
Groups such as CPA Australia have welcomed the Queensland government’s pronouncement, saying that these plans offer reassurance of small-business support. However, they also pointed out that more needs to be done.
Gavan Ord, CPA Australia’s business investment and international lead, emphasised that the State government should “place a stronger focus on supporting digital adoption among small businesses. Australian SMEs are falling well behind larger businesses and small businesses in Asia in terms of technology uptake. This gap is undermining their performance and competitiveness.”
Ord added, “It’s crucial for the federal government and state governments to work together to address the challenges being faced by businesses, including how to ease tax and regulatory burdens and provide greater relief and incentives through targeted policies.”
