Commonwealth, state, and territory Small Business Ministers met in Adelaide today focussing on small business conditions and to progress work on the new National Small Business Strategy.
South Australian Minister for Small and Family Business, the Hon Andrea Michaels MP, hosted the meeting at the National Wine Centre of Australia and it was chaired by Minister Julie Collins MP. It was the fifth meeting of Small Business Ministers since it was re‑established in 2022.
Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the National Small Business Strategy that they agreed to develop at their last meeting in June 2024 and noted the significant progress that has been made.
Ministers will progress the National Small Business Strategy to their respective governments for endorsement before its release in 2025. They agreed it presents an opportunity for a refreshed collaborative approach to support small businesses across Australia.
Ministers also provided updates on small business issues in their jurisdictions.
The meeting included a showcase of South Australia’s successful Women in Business Program which supports women to pursue their business goals through a range of initiatives.
Ministers also received an update from the Reserve Bank of Australia on its Review of Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging.
The Ministers will meet again in 2025 to continue collaborating on initiatives for Australia’s 2.6 million strong small business sector.