THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said over two million small businesses in Australia are likely to benefit from Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson’s decision to extend unfair contract term protections to small business.

ARA  Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the retail industry has welcomed the Ministers announced provisions to further protect small businesses from unfair contract terms.

"Consumers are protected against unfair contract terms, however, small businesses have always struggled for the same level of protection.

“In simple terms, any proposal that protects small businesses against unfair terms in low-value standard form contracts is a positive step, as most small retailers have similar resources to consumers when it comes to protection.

“We are pleased to see the aim of this move is to support time-poor small businesses entering into contracts for everyday transactions, while not second-guessing their ability to manage their business.

“The Government and Minister Billson should be congratulated on this move, especially given all the disparate commercial forces and potential road blocks,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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VECCI has welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s announced measures to support a fairer marketplace and assist Victorian small business growth. 

"The extension of unfair contract term protections for small business recognises that small businesses often do not have the time, legal expertise or bargaining power to scrutinise and negotiate contract terms that bigger businesses have," VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone said.

"The new protections will enable the courts to declare void a contract term that is unfair for the small business, such as those allowing a bigger business to unilaterally change the prescribed price or main terms of the agreement.

"We commend the Commonwealth Government for conducting a public consultation process prior to this announcement, as it is important that such reforms sensibly balance the interests of both small and large sized businesses," he said.

"With small businesses in Victoria accounting for 98 percent of all businesses in the state, and almost half of all private sector jobs, small business growth is vital to job creation.

"We look forward to the release of further information on how this important reform will be implemented."

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

vecci.org.au

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THE Department of Defence and Austrade will appear at a public hearing tomorrow of the Defence Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. The two key departments will give evidence on the accomplishments and challenges relating to Australia’s defence industry exports.

Defence is the main promoter and controller of Australian exports of defence equipment, including advanced weapon platforms, systems, components and technologies. In conjunction with Defence, the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) supports companies seeking opportunities in international defence markets.

Austrade notes that the technologies and products of the defence sector are transferable to civil applications and it has developed initiatives to highlight Australia’s advanced manufacturing capabilities to potential customers.

Chair of the Defence Sub-Committee, Senator David Fawcett (SA), said the inquiry provides an opportunity to identify barriers to the export of defence goods and services by Australian companies.
 
“Defence industry should be seen as a fundamental input to Australia's defence capability which means we need it to be innovative and sustainable. One way to achieve this is for the Government to encourage, and where appropriate facilitate, export to suitable nations," Senator Fawcett said.

The inquiry's terms of reference include identifying barriers and impediments to the growth of Australia's defence exports; how Government can better engage and assist Australian defence industry to export its products; the operation of the Defence Export Control Office; and assessment of the export support given to defence industry by governments of comparable nations.

The inquiry's terms of reference are available on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing
Date/Time:  Tuesday, 24 March 2015, 5.40 pm
Location:  Parliament House Committee Room 1R1
Organisations: Department of Defence and the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade)

The hearing will be audio broadcast live at www.aph.gov.au/live.

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VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone said - VECCI welcomes the Commonwealth Government’s announcement of a further $305 million, in addition to the $2.1 billion previously announced, in net red tape reduction measures that will be of great benefit to Victorian business.

Mr Stone said highlights for business include:

• Improvements to the ATO website, estimated to benefit six million Australians who will be able to find relevant tax information more quickly.
• Implementing easier monthly Pay As You Go (PAYG) tax instalments for certain businesses, meaning participants will only need to calculate their actual instalment income on a quarterly basis.
• Lowering the amount of surplus capital that private health insurers need to maintain and simplifying their reporting requirements.
• Reducing duplicate assessments for Australian manufactured medical devices, putting Australian manufacturers on an equal footing with their overseas competitors regarding regulatory assessment requirements.

"VECCI also welcomes the Commonwealth Government’s efforts to measure, and report to Parliament, the total cost of federal regulations, estimated at $65 billion per annum," Mr Stone said. "This portfolio by portfolio stocktake highlights key regulatory hotspots and can be used to target future deregulatory reforms.

"VECCI recognises that well-designed regulation is beneficial for business and the wider community because it improves economic stability, provides operational certainty and increases consumer confidence.

"However, because regulations affect all facets of business, including inputs, prices, and output, unnecessary, complex and poorly designed regulations also constrain the ability of business to provide the best product or service at the lowest cost.

"VECCI has been a consistent supporter of the Commonwealth Government’s repeal agenda and applauds the priority given to red tape reform.

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

vecci.org.au