State Government boosts small business confidence

The Newman Government has recorded the strongest increase in small business support across the nation according to a new survey from the Sensis Business Index report.

Minister for Small Business Jann Stuckey said the latest research identified the Newman Government’s reduction in red tape and bureaucracy as a real win for small businesses.

“The Newman Government is committed to growing a strong and prosperous small business sector by reducing unemployment to 4 per cent and cutting red tape by 20 per cent by 2018,” Ms Stuckey said.

“This is a vast improvement to the small business sector which suffocated under 92,000 pages of red tape and regulation costing business $7 billion per year in taxes, fees and other charges under the Labor Government.”

Ms Stuckey said the progress made over the past 20 months can be seen in the Sensis Business Index report.

“The report recognises the Newman Government’s work in developing the Queensland Small Business Strategy and Action Plan 2013-2015 as well as hosting the first ever Queensland Small Business Week,” Ms Stuckey said.

 “Queensland’s small businesses are the backbone of our four pillar economy and it is vitally important we continue to expand the Business and Industry Portal www.business.qld.gov.au and the Think Queensland, buy locally campaign.”

Queensland Small Business Advisory Council member Tony Axford said the close working relationship with the Newman Government and Minister Stuckey had ignited passion in both retail and small businesses across the State.

“The Small Business Strategy and Action Plan has been well received and reinforces that 96 per cent of all businesses are small, micro and sole traders who need the support of the Government,” Mr Axford said.

“This sector is where great innovation and employment opportunities are created and it is fantastic to see such great results reflected in the report.”

[END] 19 December 2013

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