SENATOR for South Australia, Nick Xenophon, has been confirmed to speak at Australia’s premier small business policy event – the Vodafone National Small Business Summit – in Melbourne on 23-25 August 2017.

Hosted by the Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA), Xenophon will address delegates on Friday 25 August, sharing his insights on the integral role Government have in reducing bureaucratic obstacles fostering small business growth.

“Small business is Australia’s largest employing sector and a significant contributor to the economy, however owners across the nation are being held back by Government red tape and paper work.

“I look forward to meeting with policy makers and leaders at the Summit, and sharing how the Government can assist small business owners to grow their business, be innovative and agile, rather than having to jump through makeshift obstacles,” commented Xenophon.

Small business leader and advocate, Peter Strong, CEO of COSBOA commented on the opportunity to welcome Xenophon to Australia’s premier policy event and share his voice in shaping the future of small business across the nation.

“It is an honour to host Senator Xenophon at the Vodafone National Small Business Summit. Nick is a fervent supporter of Australian small businesses and creating an effective government and economic environment to support growth,” said Mr Strong.

Xenophon will join senior politicians and industry leaders to discuss key issues facing small business in Australia, including banking payments, cyber security, the digital economy, regulation red-tape and more at the Summit. Key speakers include:

-    The Hon. Bill Shorten MP, Leader of the Opposition
-    The Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP, Federal Minister for the Environment and Energy
-    The Hon. Michael McCormack MP, Federal Minister for Small Business
-    The Hon. Philip Dalidakis MP, Victorian Minister for Small Business
-    Kate Carnell, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
-    Anna Bligh, CEO, Australian Bankers Association
-    Dan Lloyd, Chief Strategy Officer and Corporate Affairs Director, Vodafone
-    Richard Flanagan, Head of Business Marketing, Google Australia and New Zealand
-    Jennifer Westacott, Chief Executive, Business Council Australia 

Registrations are open for the Vodafone National Small Business Summit. For more information please visit: www.cosboansbs.com.au

To celebrate the commencement of the Summit, Small Business owners are invited to attend the Small Business Start-Up Reception from 6pm-8pm on Wednesday, 23 August 2017. The event will provide an opportunity for owners to hear from Peter Strong, CEO of COSBOA and network with industry leaders and key decision makers. A panel on the evening will highlight the next generation of employers and innovators and discuss what more our education system can do to support entrepreneurship.

#NSBS17

www.cosboansbs.com.au

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THE Parliament’s Northern Australia Committee will visit Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands from Saturday 16 September to Friday 22 September to hold public hearings as part of its Inquiry into Opportunities and Methods for Stimulating the Tourism Industry in Northern Australia.

The Committee Chair, Warren Entsch MP said ecotourism is becoming increasingly popular with Australian and international visitors and the potential is there to develop existing tourism operations and create new experiences on the Indian Ocean Territories.

“Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands have recently been voted as having some of the best beaches in Australia, with their pristine coral reefs, and largely unspoilt national parks,” Mr Entsch said.

“Increasing tourism to the islands will also boost jobs and create a positive impact on the local economy,” he said.

The Committee will hear evidence from a range of tourism stakeholders, and hold an open microphone session where interested people can make a five minute statement about tourism issues.

Public Hearing Programs:
Monday, 18 September: Christmas Island Court House, 8.00 am to 4.00 pm (open microphone session from 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm).
Wednesday, 20 September: Home Island, Council Chamber, Shire Offices, 8.30 am to 11.30 am (open microphone session from 11.00 am to 11.30 am).
Thursday, 21 September: West Island, Community Resources Centre, 8.00 am to 12.30 pm (open microphone session from 12 noon to 12.30 pm).

For more information about the Committee’s inquiry, including the hearing program, submissions and terms of reference visit: www.aph.gov.au/jscna.

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THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, which was established in March 2016, has welcomed the findings of an independent legislative review into the office.

Independent reviews are required under the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Act.

The first independent review was led by Ms Su McCluskey, with support from a secretariat provided by the Nous Group.

Stakeholder consultations were held with Commonwealth and state/territory agencies whose functions impact small businesses and family enterprises, also with state small business commissioners and industry organisations.

“It is clear that the ASBFEO has undertaken its advocacy function highly effectively and, in doing so, has filled a gap at the Commonwealth level,” the review states.

“The ASBFEO has effectively conducted a range of advocacy activities, including inquiries into important national issues.

“It has progressed its advocacy agenda through its strong relationships with other government agencies at both the Commonwealth and state/territory levels.”

Ombudsman Kate Carnell said she was pleased the review found the ASBFEO has undertaken its assistance function in a similarly effective way to its advocacy.

“I’m pleased the review recognises that the ASBFEO offers ‘significant value for money’ through flow-on benefits to other agencies and jurisdictions,” Ms Carnell said.

“My office is working closely with government departments to implement recommendations regarding early engagement on policy development and legislation that impacts the small business and family enterprise sectors.

“We have also begun implementing recommendations to further raise the profile of the office and establish forums to directly engage with more small businesses.

“Our recent policy forum was the first of many which will bring small business organisations together to develop a common position on issues of mutual interest.”

The review also found that the ASBFEO has assisted small businesses and family enterprises without increasing duplication or jurisdictional shopping.

www.asbfeo.gov.au

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THE Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) has welcomed legislative changes to section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

“The IPA has long advocated change to the misuse of market power provision within the Act and has continually voiced support for the recommendations falling out of the Harper Competition Policy Review,” said IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway.

“We commend the Government for introducing the changes we have been fighting for; changes that will better protect small business in a more equitable, competitive market.

“The amendment will help address anti-competitive conduct and protect the competition process rather than the interests of individual players in the market.  This is particularly important to small business.

“Considering 97 per cent of all Australian businesses is made up of small businesses, this is a huge win.

“This change and other recommendations from the Harper Review which are currently before the House of Representatives will go a long way in forming a fairer playing field for all and will enhance Australia’s capacity to compete globally,” said Mr Conway.

publicaccountants.org.au

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