Harper and Hewson to address the challenges facing small business at Summit

PROFESSOR Ian Harper, chair of the Abbott Government’s Competition Policy Review and Dr John Hewson AM, former Liberal Party and federal opposition leader, will speak about the challenges facing small business, and discuss plans for the future with reference to the recent B20 summit and the government’s Competition Policy Review at next week’s National Small Business Summit (NSBS) in Melbourne 7-8 August.

The goal of the Competition Policy Review is to consider the state of competition in the Australian economy and how institutional frameworks and policy principles can be designed to strengthen the competitive process.

Professor Ian Harper will share an in-depth progress report of the Review.

“Small business issues have been the second most commonly raised topics in submissions to date.

“At the Summit, I will elaborate on major concerns submitted by the small business community such as market concentration, competitive neutrality issues and concerns about government, particularly in local government, having unfair advantages. I will also discuss the Review’s timetable, disclosing key opportunities for small business to continue their contribution to the Review,” said Professor Harper.

Meanwhile, Dr John Hewson will focus on the challenges facing small business in this uncertain world – both internationally and domestically, referencing the long awaited government’s tax reform white paper.

The 12th annual NSBS, hosted by the Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA), provides a platform for small business representatives, senior politicians, bureaucrats and big business representatives to exchange ideas, opinions and experiences aimed to drive change and build productivity across the small business sector.

This year, the Summit has attracted yet another great line-up of high-profile speakers and attendees, also including Senator Bridget McKenzie; Ged Kearney, President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions; Tim Reed, CEO of MYOB; Brent Thomas, VP of Public Policy and Corporate Affairs – Australasia MasterCard Worldwide and Natalie James, Fair Work Ombudsman.

While COSBOA is focussed on key issues such as workplace relations; the collection of superannuation; contract law and competition policies, these exciting and passionate speakers provide specialist insights and information covering a diverse and comprehensive range of small business subjects.

For more information or to register for the 2014 NSBS visit:

www.nationalsmallbusinesssummit.com.au

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