Bruce Billson (Dunkley, Liberal Party, Minister for Small Business) Share this | Hansard source

You touched on the red tape reduction initiative—a billion dollars of red tape reduction, not just for the life of the government but each year. What a real discipline and challenge that is. Why? Because Labor thought all small businesses wanted to do each day was wake up in the morning and wonder what the government wanted them to do for it next—what compliance or regulatory impost could they turn their minds to! It seemed to be what Labor thought small businesses had front of mind, when they really wanted to grow their businesses. That is a crucial area of our work.

We have particular measures to fix the ACCC. We heard from the chairperson what a 'diabolical'—they were his words—financial position they were in. The shadow Treasurer who once had responsibility for the ACCC seemed completely disinterested, happy to have them technically insolvent before Christmas last year and on track to run out of cash in March. How on earth does that build confidence for consumers and small business?

We are implementing our commitment for unfair contract terms protections, extending that to small business transactions, whom, like individual consumers—

An opposition member interjecting—

'How's it going?' Why? Because there is no interest. We have not heard a peep from Labor about that. Implementing the franchising reforms; making sure our procurement changes give small business a chance; implementing the drought support package, crucial for small businesses operating in farming communities. Our Paid Parental Leave scheme, what a great measure to give small businesses the same opportunity to recruit that government and the big corporates have. What a great measure. The Emissions Reduction Fund, a chance for small businesses to participate in that. The Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, a role with tools and teeth. There are so many opportunities. We are implementing our policies. I just wish Labor would get out of the road.

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