Commonwealth, state and territory Small Business Ministers met at the Australian Parliament House today to discuss economic reform initiatives that support the growth and sustainability of small businesses and maximise the uptake and benefits of small business digital and cyber security supports.
The Hon Dr Anne Aly MP hosted and chaired the meeting, as the new Commonwealth Minister for Small Business, with her state and territory counterparts. This was the sixth Small Business Ministers' Meeting held since December 2022.
Ministers agreed that policies in other portfolio areas such as housing and workforce and across all tiers of government are critical to the success and sustainability of small business.
Ministers discussed their small business-related reform priorities, ahead of the Economic Reform Roundtable that the Commonwealth Treasurer, the Hon Dr Jim Chalmers, is convening later this month. Examining some of the persistent challenges faced by small businesses, Ministers discussed how reform ideas could work to lift the productivity, growth and resilience of small businesses across the country.
Reducing regulatory burden at all levels of government, supporting business resilience including in relation to natural disasters, putting small businesses at the centre of decision-making and supporting digital adoption emerged as key areas of consensus for reform priorities that would substantially improve outcomes for Australia's 2.6 million small businesses.
Ministers undertook a deep dive on the range of digital and cyber security supports available to small businesses from Commonwealth, state and territory governments, as a key area of focus under the National Small Business Strategy. Ministers agreed on a range of actions to maximise the benefits of support to small business, including cross-promotion, further collaboration and sharing best practice. Ministers recognised the role of these supports in enhancing productivity, driving economic growth, and strengthening the resilience of small businesses.
The Ministers agreed to meet again in late 2025 to continue working together to keep small businesses front and centre in the drive for meaningful reforms to lift Australia's productivity and economic resilience.
