Encouraging employment in the small business sector

BARRIERS to employment for private sector small businesses, including government laws and regulations, excessive red tape and compliance costs, will be investigated in a new inquiry commenced today by Parliament’s Standing Committee on Education and Employment.

The committee will also consider why particular groups—young job seekers, mature age Australians, those in regional areas and those with a partial work capacity—may be discouraged or prevented from working for small businesses, and how these barriers can be overcome. 

Committee Chair, Ewen Jones, said that reducing red tape and other inhibitors to employment can have a positive effect on the nation’s productivity and increase employment opportunities, which is critical for those who are at a disadvantage in today’s job market.

“Reducing the rate of unemployment is high on this government’s agenda. Identifying the challenges that exist for employment in small business and the best way to meet these challenges will be another step forward in providing jobs and job security.

“The committee expects to receive compelling evidence on these crucial issues,” Mr Jones said.

Submissions to this inquiry are welcome. For further information, including the full terms of reference and how to prepare a submission, please visit the committee’s website at www.aph.gov.au/SmallBusinessEmployment or contact the secretariat on (02) 6277 4573.

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