The Coalition Government is backing Queensland small businesses with a $60.1 million investment in red tape reduction, to make it easier to start and grow a business
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the funding was part of the Government’s $300 million Small Business Regulatory Reform Agenda and our plan for a stronger economy.
"Our plan recognises that the private sector employs around nine out of every 10 workers and is focused on making sure that businesses stay competitive, keep investing and continue to hire more workers," Mr Frydenberg said.
"This new $60.1 million investment will allow small businesses like farms and cafes to spend more of their time and money on growing their business and less dealing with red tape.
"This will build on the Australian Government’s efforts that have already reduced Commonwealth regulatory burden on businesses and the community by more than $6.9 billion."
Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education Michaelia Cash said the funding would give Queensland small business owners back more of their time in industries such as construction, agriculture, food and tourism by making it easier to comply with government regulation.
"Queensland’s economy depends on a pipeline of skilled local workers," Minister Cash said.
"I am delighted that this investment will make it easier for 8,000 businesses across Queensland manage their apprentice training commitments. This is important because it is the job prospects and skills of our young people that will determine the economic future of our region.
"Businesses in the agricultural and food industries will also find it easier to meet compliance obligations and find targeted information on how to start and grow a business with new ‘one stop shop’ portals.
"The Liberal National Government wants to help small businesses do what they do best, continue to grow the economy and employ 5.7 million Australians."
The projects include:
- Digital Food Safety Hub: Food businesses will have access to a one stop shop for legislative, licensing and training requirements, reducing the regulatory compliance burden for small business.
- Start-up & Compliance pathway: Existing platforms and pilots will be integrated to streamline the regulatory and approvals processes for starting and growing a business, particularly in the construction and food industries.
- Vocational Education and Training Support: A new online platform will help Queensland businesses to hire and manage trainees and apprentices, by providing employers with information on regulatory obligations and updates and providing SMS alerts reminding them of regulatory deadlines and obligations.
- Biosecurity Online Portal: A new online portal will improve farm productivity while better protecting Queensland’s environment. Farmers will be better able to manage biosecurity risks and agricultural chemicals.
This funding builds on the Coalition Government’s support for small business including increasing and extending the Instant Asset Write-Off initiative, fast-tracking tax relief for small and medium businesses and making it easier for small businesses to access finance through the $2 billion Securitisation Fund.
