The Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced today the appointment of a Small Business Commissioner.
The new Commissioner will voice the concerns of Australia’s two million small business operators to the government and provide a one stop shop for small business services and information.
Speaking at a press conference this morning, Julia Gillard said the Commissioner will report directly to the Minister for Small Business, Brendan O’Connor, who will liaise directly with his Cabinet colleagues about issues important to small businesses.
The Commissioner will also work with the Minister to ensure Government agencies take into account the needs of small businesses, including ways in which the government can manage the regulatory burden on small business.
The Small Business Commissioner will also be able to take up individual cases with relevant Government agencies.
The Commissioner’s office will work with state and territory small business commissioners to ensure services for small business are simple and easy to access, minimising duplication across jurisdictions. They will also work to simplify advice for small business, including in dispute resolution, making it more readily available online and via a hotline.
Australia’s first Small Business Commissioner will be appointed in the second half of this year.
Julia Gillard also reaffirmed her government’s commitment to cutting the company tax rate for small business from 30 per cent to 29 per cent, increasing the small business instant tax write-off from $1,000 to $6,500 and introducing a $5,000 tax break for motor vehicles.