THE Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) today congratulated the Federal Government on their “Repeal Day” initiative which will see the targeted removal of thousands of unnecessary compliance demands on business.

Peter Strong, Executive Director of COSBOA said Repeal Day represents a major milestone.

“The removal of red tape and the subsequent freeing up of small business people to run their companies, rather than do the work of governments has been a base aim of COSBOA since our founding in 1977.

“The announcement of “Repeal Day” in parallel with the stated aim of the government of removing $1 billion worth of compliance demands on business is exactly what we need.”

COSBOA and its member organisations are working with the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, who is tasked with achieving sense in business compliance.

COSBOA will be focusing on gathering information from small business people throughout Australia on what they want removed or changed and what difference it will make to their businesses.

“There is good compliance that is easy to manage, however there is also bad compliance processes. And, there are tasks we are asked to do, such as collecting superannuation, which get in the way of running small businesses.

“There are over 2 million business people who employ almost 5 million others, so removing unnecessary processes and red tape will add to the productivity of the economy, improve safety in the workplace and add to job security, in a profound and far reaching way,” Mr Strong concluded.

www.cosboa.org.au 

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VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone’s comments on the Toyota announcement:

- The timing of Toyota’s announcement is something of a surprise and we are obviously very disappointed because it has made a significant contribution to Victoria over many years.

- VECCI is already working with the State Government on responding to the cessation of vehicle manufacturing as a member of the Premier's Automotive Industry Roundtable.

- We have also had input into the initial work of the Federal Government’s Economic Review panel for Victoria, established to inform the design of its $100 million Growth Fund to support the changing manufacturing industry.

- We’ll now look at what further work we can do to support the business community as it responds.

- As the Victorian economy continues to undergo change it is more important than ever that governments work with business to capitalise on our enduring strengths and overcome the obstacles.

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the peak body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

www. vecci.org.au 

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PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is calling on the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to consider adjusting the current cash rate of 2.5 percent in order for the retail sector to contribute its full potential to the Australian economy in 2014.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said retailers are worried that a rate hike at this time of year would reverse the positive results that the industry has worked hard to achieve over the last few months, particularly during the booming Christmas period.

“The ARA believes the current cash rate has room for further adjustment and we have every hope that with the RBA’s support, the retail sector will experience a healthier and more successful year compared to the last.

“A reduction is also crucial to stimulate employment, particularly youth unemployment which has recently hit an 11-year low. The ARA is strongly concerned for the future of Australian retail workers and a reduction in the current cash rate would certainly support the retail industry and encourage employment opportunities for the leaders of tomorrow.

“The ARA is continuing to work alongside the government to rapidly implement its program of tax cuts and economic reform, and we urge the RBA to consider the retail sector when it meets to make their decision tomorrow,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $258 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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PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association today welcomes new NSW Small Business Commissioner Robyn Hobbs OAM and thanks former NSW Small Business Commissioner Yasmin King for all of her hard work and dedication to small business over the last few years.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the ARA is eager to work alongside Ms Hobbs once she officially begins her new role on 25 February 2014.

“The ARA looks forward to working alongside Ms Hobbs to ensure the retail sector remains viable and successful into the future. We are especially pleased to hear that one of Ms Hobbs’ first challenges is to review the Retail Leases Act.

“On behalf of the ARA and the wider retail industry, I would like to wish Yasmin King every success for the future. The retail sector have benefited greatly from Ms King’s ongoing support.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Australia's economy, representing 96 percent of all businesses in the country. In NSW alone, there are 680,000 small businesses employing around 50 percent of the NSW workforce,” 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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