Federal Govt tries for ‘new era for Australian industry and small business’

FAR away from the cut and thrust of everyday politics, the Federal Government has made a series of announcements for industry and small business that it believes will launch “a new era for industry development in Australia, focussing on new investment, jobs growth, and new opportunities for Australian entrepreneurs”.

It is the collaborative approach of the Federal Government with major industry and small business that are highlighted by the new Entrepreneurs’ Infrastructure Programme and the Single Business Service Delivery initiative. For a start, there is now one initial point of digital, voice and face-to-face contact called the Single Business Service. 

Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane said the government was working with businesses on new programmes with a clear focus on making Australian industry of all sizes more competitive. He said the programs would drive business productivity gains across the economy and help create many new jobs in the sector.

As part of the new $484.2 million Entrepreneurs’ Infrastructure Programme, the government is investing $92.4 million to put in place a new streamlined Single Business Service Delivery initiative.

“Through the Entrepreneurs’ Infrastructure Programme, the Australian Government is setting a new path for Australian industry, which will embrace the determination and ingenuity of the business community and help turn good ideas into great market outcomes,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“The Single Business Service is about making it easier for all businesses to work with the government. It will make information, advice and support simpler to find, understand and access.

“All Australian businesses will benefit from this more simple and streamlined approach, which will also seamlessly direct eligible customers into more intensive support to help businesses overcome particular challenges.

“Under the new service eligible businesses will be linked to specific government assistance programmes, like the Entrepreneurs’ Infrastructure Programme, R&D Tax Incentive, Industry Skills Fund, Manufacturing Transition Grants Programme and Growth Fund and other energy efficiency, industry and skills programmes.”

Small Business Minister Bruce Billson said from every Australian business, including small businesses and independent contractors, would be able to access Department of Industry information and services through a single website or contact number.

“The integration of the Small Business Support Line into the Single Business Service Delivery initiative will simplify and streamline the delivery of support available to all businesses,” Mr Billson said.

“The service will expand the existing Support Line initiative by providing small businesses with enhanced access to advice on business start-up information, banking, finance, accounting and marketing, advertising, small business counselling and information technology.

“Recognising people already know the phone number for the Small Business Support Line; its physical number will remain but will be diverted into the new service.”

The phone number is 13 28 46.

www.business.gov.au

 

ends