Alison Byrnes MP
Member for Cunningham
Thank you Graham for your introduction and thank you Richard for your Welcome to Country.
I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of Dharawal country, the land on which we meet and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging. I would also like to extend my respect to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people present here today.
The Labor government understands that small businesses are the engine room of the Australian economy. However, with the challenges of the past two years and Australia experiencing the second most severe labour shortage in the developed world behind Canada. I know enormous pressures have been placed on local businesses.
That is why the Albanese Labor Government has convened a Jobs and Skills Summit to be held at Parliament House in Canberra on 1-2 September.
The Summit will bring together Australians, including unions, employers, civil society and governments to address our shared economic challenges.
Prior to the Summit in Canberra, Stephen Jones and I will be hosting a Jobs and Skills summit right here in the Illawarra in mid-August.
We are all part of a government whose goal is to build a bigger, better-trained and more productive workforce; boost incomes and living standards; and create more opportunities for more Australians to get ahead and to reach their aspirations.
As part of that work only yesterday Federal and State Skills and Training Ministers met to reset negotiations on the National Skills Agreement, and strengthen Australia’s TAFE and training sector.
That is why I am happy to be here today at the launch of Illawarra ITeC’s Self Employment Assistance program. A program that will help individuals and businesses in our community with advice and training to help them realise their vision. This is a great opportunity for local entrepreneurs looking for a helping hand with their business ideas.
The Labor government also has a plan to help emerging entrepreneurs - beginning with the introduction of Startup Year. Potentially helping to create 2,000 new firms by offering income contingent loans to 2,000 final year students and recent graduates.
We have also changed the Commonwealth Procurement Rules, opening the door to more opportunities for small and medium sized businesses to participate in applying for Commonwealth contracts. On which approximately $70 billion is spent each year.
The procurement rule changes came into effect on 1 July 2022 and now require 20 percent of Commonwealth contracts to engage Small and Medium Enterprises, doubled from 10 percent.
We will also reduce small business transaction costs at the point of payment. Because transaction fees disproportionately affect small businesses and eat into profits – up to around $804 million a year.
Labor understands the importance of small businesses and startups in growing the economy. Entrepreneurs help drive innovation and economic growth and startups have been shown to possess very good job creation potential. Through Illawarra ITeC’s work in delivering this program we could see some great ideas and businesses created that may not have been viable without that guidance and support. Potentially creating jobs and economic opportunities for our community.
I am very excited to see some of the ideas and businesses that will come through the program and I would like to thank ITeC for inviting me here today for its launch. Thank you.
