Call for small business insights on policy in Queensland

The Queensland Government is calling on experienced small business owners and operators to take part in new small business consultation panels to help inform government decision-making.

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman has announced a pilot of the new panels that will increase opportunities for government and small business to work together.

“We are establishing these small business consultation panels to gain first-hand advice from small business on the practical impacts of policy and regulation proposals, and how we can best work with them to cut red tape,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Small business makes a vital contribution to the Queensland economy and this $1.1 million commitment for the next four years will help us to better test new government policies and regulation.”

A 2017 election commitment, the consultation panels are just one of the ways the Queensland Government is making it easier to do business in Queensland.

 “It is essential that policymakers consider the practical implications of proposals and don’t unnecessarily increase the burden on small business,” Ms Fentiman said.

“That’s where our state’s experienced small business owners and operators come in.

“Whether it is experience in sales and marketing, an understanding of business development or navigating licences and permits, we want people from a variety of business backgrounds so we can draw on their wealth of practical experience and test our policy ideas.”

The panels will be trialled and refined to ensure they are effective as the program continues, with participants having the opportunity to provide feedback on their experience.

Participation in the panels is voluntary and small business owners or operators must be based in Queensland.

Queensland small business owners and operators are invited to register their interest until Friday 31 August at  www.business.qld.gov.au/consultationpanels.

Media contact: Bernadette Condren 0417 296 116