Published Today at 11:15 AM

Minister for Customer Services and Open Data and Minister for Small and Family Business
The Honourable Steve Minnikin

Fresh voices to champion small and family businesses

  • The Crisafulli Government's new Small and Family Business Ministerial Reference Group to contribute to policies and provide practical business insights.
  • Members include representatives from diverse industries across Queensland – from Ipswich to Hughenden.
  • The group is a key initiative of the Small and Family Business First Action Statement. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a new Small and Family Business Ministerial Reference Group to ensure more Queensland businesses start, grow and thrive. 

The reference group includes champions and leaders of the small and family business sector and will serve as a vital consultation mechanism, providing real-world insights to contribute to government policies and programs. 

Chaired by the Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin, the group held its inaugural meeting today and explored opportunities and challenges for business growth, ensuring the voices of small and family business owners are heard at the highest level. 

The group’s members are from diverse industries across Queensland’s small business sector and are equipped with the skills needed to make expert contributions.

The Small and Family Business Ministerial Reference Group includes: 

  • Phil Di Bella - Hospitality / Industry Group (Brisbane)
  • Stacey Head - Manufacturing / Retail (Brisbane)
  • Tyler Krogh - Building and Construction (Hughenden)
  • Pauline Pickering - Accounting (Warwick)
  • Martin Roller - Automotive (Redcliffe)
  • Leanne Rudd - Accounting (Bundaberg)
  • Angela Scott - Building and Construction (Hervey Bay)
  • Terry Slaughter - Logistics, Retail (Springfield Lakes, Ipswich)
  • Joe Andon - Retail (Brisbane)

The newly established Ministerial Reference Group works alongside regional departmental services and program feedback channels to contribute to policies and deliver practical support for small and family businesses statewide.  

The Crisafulli Government is prioritising meaningful engagement and direct support for Queensland businesses through the Small and Family Business Action Statement. 

The Statement - which is boosted by more than $100 million in new investment - will aim to improve the operating business environment, provide targeted financial support, and aim to create more than 120,000 new Queensland businesses over the next seven years. 

Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said this initiative was a key step in driving better outcomes for Queensland’s small business community. 

“This group is about connecting directly with the people who know and are our small and family business owners,” Minister Minnikin said. 

“The group is a key initiative under the recently released Small and Family Business First Action Statement and is an opportunity for open dialogue, ensuring that the voices of Queensland’s small and family businesses are heard and reflected in our policies and initiatives. 
 
“We want to drive a culture of awareness and consideration across government for the impacts of government decisions on our small business communities.” 

Further members will be invited to join the group in the coming months. 

The Small and Family Business Ministerial Reference Group replaces the Queensland Small Business Advisory Council. 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT:  Andrew Berkman 0429 128 637