The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia warmly welcomes the new Small Business Minister, Julie Collins.
COSBOA CEO Alexi Boyd said “It’s fantastic that small business is continuing to be represented in Cabinet and that we have strong and experienced female figure who is passionate about her community in the role.”
“We have had promising initial interactions with Minister Collins and trust that she is committed to listening to small business needs and fulfilling Labor’s election promises for small business owners.”
Ms Boyd added “COSBOA will be advocating for policies to address the pressing issues of staff shortages and the rising cost of doing business as a priority, reducing transaction fees through Least Cost Routing as well as red tape reduction and making compliance easier for time-poor small business owners.”
The MP for Franklin previously served as a Cabinet Minister under the Rudd Government in 2013. Her current portfolio also includes housing and homelessness.
“We know that the cost and supply of housing is a significant factor behind worker shortages, particularly in regional and high-tourism areas. It makes it even harder for small businesses to attract talent into these areas when there is a severe shortage of affordable housing.”
COSBOA member the Tasmanian Small Business Council (TSBC) also extends its congratulations to Minister Collins.
TSBC CEO Robert Mallett said “Tasmania is the quintessential small business state, with small and large businesses working closely together, geographically and idealistically. The knowledge and experience gained by the Minister living in such a state (as well as her own personal small business experience) will give her a head start on many of her colleagues.
This support was echoed by Rural Business Tasmania, a member of the Tasmanian Small Business Council.
Rural Business Tasmania CEO and COSBOA Deputy Chair Elizabeth Skirving said “We are thrilled to have a local Tasmanian representing the interests of all small business in our new Australian Government and voice in Cabinet. Ms Collins brings a deep understanding of rural and regional small business, from the local farmer, their suppliers and their community – the local café, hairdresser and ag merchant. We look forward to working with the Minister to continue to support our small businesses, the backbone of rural and regional Australia.”
Source: COSBOA
