Minister for Small Business and Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Kelly O'Dwyer announced the Government's workplace relations Small Business Helpline has received more than 300,000 calls from small business operators around Australia.
"The helpline provides a priority service for the more than two million small business operators to access fast and reliable information," Minister O’Dwyer said.
"The free service was established by the Coalition government in December 2013 and a team of experts advisers have been providing quality advice.
"The Small Business Helpline has been assisting with issues including wages, modern awards and conditions of employment under the Fair Work Act 2009.
"Australia's small businesses account for 97 per cent of all Australian businesses and employ more than 4.7 million Australians.
"This helpline is proving effective for small business operators who are often time-poor and seeking access to the right tools.
"It is essential that small business operators have access to reliable workplace relations advice," Minister O'Dwyer said.
If small businesses have questions, or are unsure about the laws that relate to their workplace, they are encouraged to phone the helpline.
Small business operators can call the Helpline on 13 13 94, between 8am and 5.30pm weekdays.
There are also a range of tools and resources for small business operators available on the Fair Work Ombudsman's website
Other initiatives of the Coalition government include:
- the first Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman;
- an immediate deductibility of assets costing less than $20,000;
- immediate deductibility of professional expenses for new small businesses; and
- cutting red tape on small business by simplifying the process for establishing and maintaining an employee share scheme.