The experiences of small businesses in regional Australia were in the spotlight today as the Minister for Small Business Julie Collins chaired a meeting of her state and territory counterparts in Cairns.
This was the third meeting of Small Business Ministers since Minister Collins re-established the forum with her state and territory colleagues last year, but the first to be held outside of a capital city.
The meeting provided an opportunity to continue the national discussion on small business policy matters, with a focus on showcasing Indigenous small business strategies, supports and success stories during Indigenous Business Month.
The Ministers also discussed strategies to make it easier to do business in the current economic climate by improving regulatory settings for small businesses and creating opportunities for small businesses to thrive.
The Albanese Government is committed to delivering a better deal for small business and recognises the sector is the engine room of the Australian economy.
The Government recently introduced legislation to provide new targeted support to Australian small businesses, including the $20,000 instant asset write off and the Small Business Energy Incentive.
Regular meetings of Ministers across the country help to ensure that all governments are working together to best support Australia’s 2.5 million small businesses.