The true value of the Gillard Government’s Small Business Commissioner is in doubt after questioning by Senator Scott Ryan in Senate Estimates revealed that the Commissioner won’t have any powers of its own.
Shadow Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson said it appeared as though the announcement of a Small Business Commissioner was a token effort by the Gillard Government which will add little or no value to the sector.
“The Gillard Government is just giving a mirage that they are trying to help small business,” Mr Billson said.
“It appears as though the Commissioner will simply handball off issues to other State and Federal Government Departments around the country.
“We already knew the Gillard Government had turned its back on small business with the carbon tax, now it’s just formalising its cold shoulder for the sector with the Commissioner.”
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Fair Competition Senator Scott Ryan said department officials told the Senate Economics Committee that the Small Business Commissioner would be limited to advising the Government on programs and small business concerns.
“While the Coalition have been strongly advocating in favour of a Small Business Commissioner, the Government’s proposal is all bark and no bite,” Senator Ryan said.
“The Small Business Commissioner looks poised to become a glorified help desk, referring small businesses to other agencies with no powers of its own.
“This Government has talked up its credentials when it comes to small business, but the reality is a long way from the spin.
“A study released today showed only 11 per cent of small business expect to benefit from the carbon tax, which leaves 89 per cent that will be buffeted by the carbon tax.
“If the Small Business Commissioner is to become a true advocate, in his or her first meeting with the minister they must demand the abolition of the carbon tax.”