MARCH 2022 EDITION
LATEST NEWS MARCH IS NSW SMALL BUSINESS MONTH. GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESS CONTINUES.
HOT TOPICS WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP THE CBCC'S ANNUAL EVENT ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY MONDAY 14 MARCH WITH GUEST OF HONOR COMMISSIONER KAREN WEBB APM
T A B L E
O F
CONT E NT S 3
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
5
JOIN THE CHAMBER
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OUR NEW MEMBERS
7
UPCOMING EVENTS
12
THE CHAMBERS'S ACTIVITIES
18
FROM OUR MEMBERS
30
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THE BOARD
CEO's Message #BREAKTHEBIAS The 8th of March was International Women's Day.
BILL PARASIRIS WSU - Director
SANDRA DUARTE Sandra Duarte Consulting CEO
What a month of floods and disaster. Just when you think an economy and a community could not take one more hit, we Australian's show that we are resilient battlers that dust off and get on with it. We had to postpone our International Women's Day Event Women in Leadership, but COVID taught us to persist. We learn and we succeed.
ANTOINETTE KHALIL
JASON ARRAJ
Khalil Lawyers Principal Solicitor
Forward Legal Principal Solicitor
Rebueilcdharge R Renew
When the going gets tough we get tougher...
PHILIP IACOVOU
JESSICA EMILY
Lefand - Director
Kleanwell - Moonshot Thinker
JACQUELINE VENESJARVI Vicinity Centres Guest Experience Manager
GEOFF GAYMER TAFE NSW - Manager
Small Business Month - bring the experience of knowledge to be front and centre, so don't forget to attend our FREE events or check with NSW Business Commissoner to attend other events happening all month.
WALLY MEHANNA CBCC CEO
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IN LEADERSHIP 2022 14 MARCH | MONDAY | 6PM - 8.30PM HOLIDAY INN WARWICK FARM 1-COUSE MEAL
CHAMPAGNE ON ARRIVAL
MEMBERS $44 NON-MEMBERS $49.50
PANEL SPEAKERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON SUPPORTERS
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: How to Build a Resilient Business 21 March 2022 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
With key speaker
Social Media for Business 22 MARCH 6PM-8:30PM
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See our Gala Dinner from last year
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Womens' Safety Charter WATCH VIDEO
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Michael Saliba - 0422195355 Suite 28/ 4-10 Selems Parade Revesby NSW 2334 smartline.com.au/mortgage-broker/msaliba
To fix or not to fix? That is the question. In my 20 odd years of lending, one thing has been a constant amidst all the tos and fros of the local and global economy... Our interest rates have been on a mostly downward trend. In fact, the rate basically can't get any lower. The RBA has continued to reduce rates to help maintain the momentum of the economy, and now, in this strange, 'not quite post-covid' market, the financial and housing markets are moving full steam ahead. What this means is the most likely time for rates to begin climbing back up, at least for the meantime. I'm asked daily: 'when', 'how much' and 'for how long'. All very pertinent questions, and really, I wish I knew. What we do know is that the cash rate in Australia is at it's all time low of just 0.10%. Our Sydney housing market is at an all-time high. It's never been more expensive for a household just to get by in Sydney metro, despite the wage loss and economic pressure the pandemic brought. What I ask my clients to consider, is that, if rates are at an all-time low, debt is at an all-time high and the market seems to be in an impossible bubble, shouldn't the alarm bells be well and truly 'going off', and so, mitigating some risk should be at the top of everyone's list of things to do. The RBA's official standing at the moment is: 'it will not increase the cash rate until actual inflation is sustainably within the 2 to 3 per cent target range' At which we are currently sitting at 3.5%, but really who knows what comes next? We can't guarantee our income or circumstances ongoing, so the only leaver that most of us can pull is securing our largest liability, being a home loan. At least for now. We may not know what is going to happen next, but we do know that at present, things have never been more uncertain and so, perhaps it is time to look at locking up your rate (/ repayment) for the next few years, to ensure there is some stability in our financial situation. Take a look at the attached graph courtesy of the RBA and consider what is more likely to happen next:
If you, or someone you know has any questions around fixing, or indeed anything home or commercial lending related please feel free to contact me for a chat. As always, the best place to find out your rate options is through a broker.
Michael Saliba Diploma FM BM Personal Mortgage Adviser Commercial Lending Expert 0422195355 msaliba@smartline.com.au
Smartline High Achievement Award NSW/ACT Winner 2020 Smartline Business Growth Award 2017, 2018, 2019 topfranchise Award Overall Ranked #1 2018, 2019
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BANKSTOWN SPORTS GROUP CONTRIBUTES $1.5M OF A $3M COMMITMENT TO THE CANTERBURY BANKSTOWN COMMUNITY NSW’s largest and most highly populated LGA, Canterbury Bankstown, secures future of local community sport with major facility upgrade.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 2 February 2022 - Bankstown Sports Group (BSG) has today announced its commitment of $1.5 million, approximately 50% of the total monies raised by the City of Canterbury Bankstown and Bankstown District Cricket Club’s (BDCC) to fund its community development master plan, which will focus on the upgrade of the Bankstown Memorial Oval Cricket Ground. A major step forward for Canterbury Bankstown community development, the initiative is in line with the NSW Government’s vision for local government area growth which has been clearly demonstrated by the State Government pledging an additional $1 million. Working collaboratively with the City of Canterbury Bankstown, the BDCC master plan goal will see that facilities, and operations of the grounds are open, accessible, and inclusive for all in the local community. This is in support of the NSW Government’s commitment to ensuring that NSW has a network of spaces and places that enable quality sport and active recreation participation, and performance, at every level. The upgrade of the Mark & Steve Waugh Pavilion will not only focus on refurbishing the pavilion itself, but also improving female amenities and disability access. The redevelopment will also ensure younger community members are protected by updating the facilities to ensure underage compliance and providing lights to the ground to allow for night matches and events. “Over the past 24 months, Bankstown Sports has pivoted its usual business operation to support community members by converting the venue’s impressive ballroom into a NSW Health registered vaccination hub and, more recently, into a place where students are able to comfortably sit their HSC exams in a COVID safe environment” said Mark Condi, CEO, Bankstown Sports Group. “Our focus is now on the future and doing what we do best! Creating jobs and investing in both local infrastructure and community facilities. This investment is the first step, and testament to our commitment to the people of Canterbury Bankstown” concluded Condi. On the $1.5 million investment, BDCC President Reza Bilimoria commented: “Today marks a major step forward for the project, thanks to the funding of Bankstown Sports. We have enjoyed an exceptional partnership over the last 50 years, and we continue to be aligned in our vision to develop Bankstown into a destination for both elite athletes and the broader community.” Bilimoria continued, “With our funding now secured, work is set to commence in June this year, with the goal for the Bankstown Memorial Oval to be complete and operational in time for the 2023 cricket season.” Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour views the Memorial Oval Cricket Ground as part of the fabric of Bankstown, with many cricketing greats having walked its pitch over the years.
“This money will be used to modernise the oval’s facilities and bring them up to today’s standards,” commented Mayor Asfour. “We want to attract more state and nationals’ games to the ground” continued Mayor Asfour. “This couldn’t have been done without the passion and determination of all involved”. -ENDSFor more information about the development or Bankstown Sports Group and its associated venues, please visit www.bankstownsports.com, or follow Bankstown Sports on Instagram or Facebook using #BankstownSports. Media Contacts: Snezana Hay Rebecca Patterson SPEAK Communications SPEAK Communications E: snezana@speakcommunications.com.au E: rebecca@speakcommunications.com.au M: 0419635659 M: 0406692886
About Bankstown Sports Club and Associated Venues: Founded in 1958, Bankstown Sports Club is one of the largest clubs in NSW supporting more than 45 local sporting clubs and over 10,000 individuals who participate in sport, as well as hundreds of local charities and community groups. With more than 100,000 members, Bankstown Sports Club employs over 500 staff and offers a fun, exciting and safe entertainment destination in the southwest with key features including a movie theatre, live shows, free weekly entertainment, function rooms, restaurants and bars. Associated Venues include: Lady Banks Rooftop, The Acres Club Greenacre, Bankstown Sports Bowls, Birrong Sports Club, Baulkham Hills Sports Club and Greenacre Bowling Club.
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Every person with a disability needs your help. Our Open Letter action has launched as part of the NDS Teamwork Works campaign for a stronger NDIS. The Open Letter calls for federal leaders to commit to a strong NDIS in 2022 which is now more important than ever. Because not only do we have two nation-shaping events coming up – the Federal Budget and the Federal Election – but we’re also going through a new wave of COVID-19, bringing uncertainty to the disability sector and disproportionate harm to people with disability in Australia. That’s why your role in clicking on the link above and signing the letter is critical – the more Open Letter signatures we get, the more likely our leaders are going to listen to us. Thank you so much for taking a few minutes to take this action.
Inspiring Health. Transforming Care. The Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research is a not-for-profit organisation based in Liverpool, New South Wales. Conducting world-class medical research, the Institute has over 350 researchers across five different research streams - Cancer, Clinical Sciences, Injury & Rehabilitation, Mental Health, Population & Health Services. Working in partnership with South Western Sydney Local Health District, UNSW Sydney, and Western Sydney University, the Institute's translational focus enables us to transform results into direct health benefits for the community.
Community
Education
Collaboration
TAFE NSW ‘IDEALLY POSITIONED’ TO PLUG LOCAL CHILDCARE SKILLS GAP, SAYS PEAK BODY 16 February 2022 The nation’s peak not-for-profit childcare body says TAFE NSW Bankstown will play a critical role in training the next generation of early childhood educators as a growing skills gap impacts the local industry. It comes as new data from Deloitte Access Economics revealed early childhood educators would be one of Canterbury-Bankstown’s fastest-growing professions in the coming years, expected to grow by 20.9 per cent by 2024-25. Early Childhood Australia NSW president Carol Burgess said with rapid growth came an urgent need to train more educators and TAFE NSW – Australia’s largest provider of early childhood education training – was ideally positioned to do just that. “The early childhood sector provides many opportunities for people to grow in their career,” Ms Burgess said. “Someone who enjoys working with children and who wants to make a lasting impact on their lives can have such a fulfilling career in early childhood education and TAFE NSW is an important part of training our future workforce.” TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Children’s Education and Care, Leandra Negrini, said early childhood education and care was a rewarding job for anyone who values seeing children learn and develop. “TAFE NSW arms graduates with the practical skills and work experience to make an immediate impact in the job and help shape young hearts and minds,” Ms Negrini said. “All TAFE NSW early childhood teachers hold a Bachelor degree and all have worked extensively in the industry. Our courses are very hands-on and we offer simulated early childhood environments at many of our campuses.” To learn more about studying early childhood education and care at TAFE NSW, phone 131 601 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.
Media contact: Terra Sword, Communications Specialist. Phone: 6623 0325. Email: terra.sword@tafensw.edu.au.
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Statement of Attainment in Introduction to Baking
▪ ▪
Nationally Recognised Training This training is subsidised by the NSW Government
900-81200 Course description: This course provides the skills and knowledge required to work in an entry-level role within a commercial baking environment. The focus of the course is on preparing, baking and finishing sponge products, as well as maintaining stock levels and quality. Units of Competency: ▪ FBPRBK3008 Produce sponge cake products. ▪ FBPRBK2005 Maintain ingredient stores.
This course also provides: Learning Resources: Workbooks, recipe packs and all equipment will be provided.
LOCATION
TAFE NSW Campbelltown 181 NarellanRoad, Campbelltown DURATION
2 weeks –3 days per week COST
Fully government subsidised. Eligibility criteria applies.* For more information,please visit: tafensw.edu.au/enrol/fees
Students to supply:
STUDY TYPE
▪
Part-time
Short sleeved shirt, long pants and enclosed shoes.
Course outcomes include: ▪ ▪
Skills and Knowledge to work as a Baker’s Assistant. Credit towards a Certificate II or Certificate III Baking qualification.
START DATE
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 9.00am to 3.30pm 12 April to 21 April 2022
How to get involved:
STUDY COMMITMENT
▪
19.5 Hours per week
▪
Call 131 601, or contact the section via email at tracey.doyle@tafensw.edu.au for any enquiries. You must have a USI (Unique Student Identifier) to enrol. Go to www.usi.gov.au.
RTO 90003.This document is correct at the time of printing: December 2021. *Terms and conditions may apply.
tafensw.edu.au/cookery 131 601
Statement of Attainment in Bar Operations
▪ ▪
Nationally Recognised Training This training is subsidised by the NSW Government
900-81317 Course description: This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to professionally prepare a bar for service, take drink orders, prepare and serve a range of alcoholic beverages, clear and clean glasses, and close down a bar securely and responsibly. Units of Competency are SITXFSA001 Use hygienic practices for food safety, SITHFAB001 Clean and tidy bars and SITHFAB003 Operate a bar. Students MUST hold Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and be over 18 years of age to participate in this course. TAFE NSW Campbelltown are offering RSA on Friday 18 February, 2022 if you do not already have it.
Students to supply: ▪
Short sleeved shirt, long pants and enclosed shoes.
LOCATION
TAFE NSW Campbelltown 181 NarellanRoad, Campbelltown DURATION
2 weeks –3 days per week COST
Fully government subsidised. Eligibility criteria applies.* For more information,please visit: tafensw.edu.au/enrol/fees STUDY TYPE
This course also provides:
Part-time
Learning Resources: Online learning tools and all equipment will be provided.
START DATE
Course outcomes include:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 9.00 AM to 2.30 PM 12 April to 21 April 2022
▪ ▪
Skills and Knowledge to work in hospitality outlets such as bars, clubs and restaurants. Credit towards a Certificate II or Certificate III in Hospitality qualification.
How to get involved: ▪ ▪
Contact the section via email at tracey.doyle@tafensw.edu.au for any enquiries. You must have a USI (Unique Student Identifier) to enrol. Go to www.usi.gov.au.
Explore. Enquire. Enrol. tafensw.edu.au/hospitality 131 601 RTO 90003.This document is correct at the time of printing: December 2021. *Terms and conditions may apply.
STUDY COMMITMENT
15 Hours per week
The NSW Government has launched Parents NSW Vouchers to thank parents, guardians and carers who provided home learning to their school-enrolled children during 2021. One person from each eligible household can apply for 5 x $50 vouchers, worth $250 in total. These vouchers can be redeemed at Discover NSW and Stay NSW registered businesses. Apply for Parents NSW Vouchers
5,000 free Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) courses If you're after a career in hospitality, the NSW Government is offering 5,000 fee-free Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) courses to enable you to gain the skills needed to enter this in-demand industry. Refresher RSA courses will also be available free of charge until the end of June if your RSA competency card has expired within the past two years or will expire before 30 June. Click to check eligibility and apply
Year of the Tiger commemorative birth certificate released Celebrate your new baby or special birthday with Year of the Tiger commemorative birth certificate by Australian/Chinese contemporary oriental brush painter, Lucy Wang. This new design celebrates the multicultural diversity of NSW by combining the traditional aesthetics of Chinese culture with the contemporary Australian themes and motifs of NSW. Order a new birth certificate
Up to $3000 for commercial landlords - extended to 13 March 2022 If you've provided rental relief to tenants during the lockdown in NSW, you may be eligible to receive up to $3,000 a month to help cover the cost. The Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund offers grants to eligible landlords who experienced financial hardship from providing rental relief to retail or commercial tenants. The grant will equal the amount waived each month from August 2021 to a maximum of $3,000 per month, for each eligible property. Find out more and apply
The NSW Small Business Commission, in partnership with TAFE NSW, invites you to attend a Selling to the NSW Government workshop during February and March. This is a free online workshop for small businesses wanting to learn how to tender for NSW Government work. The NSW Government spends about $40 billion a year on goods and services and has a policy of increasing the amount it spends with small and medium businesses. Tendering for Government work can, however, be challenging for small businesses. The workshop will help you gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to tender for Government work and can also help businesses in tendering for private sector contracts. Workshop dates (places are limited): Wednesday 23rd March 2022, 6pm - 8pm To register for a workshop: Step 1: Register your attendance at one of these workshops through the Eventbrite links above by clicking on your preferred date and time. Step 2: Register with TAFE NSW (you will not need to complete this step if you have already signed up to the online component of this course). Complete step 1 and 2 above to confirm your place at these workshops. Remember, places are limited. If you cannot attend this workshop but would like to express your interest in future workshops, please fill out your details here. We look forward to seeing you there!
WestInvest to transform local communities in West and South-West Sydney – Have Your Say The NSW Government has launched the $5 billion WestInvest program to help secure a brighter future for families and residents of West and South-West Sydney. The program will help fund transformational projects, delivering community benefits and supporting economic recovery across six focus areas: Parks, urban spaces and green spaces Enhancing community infrastructure such as sporting grounds Modernising schools
Creating and enhancing arts and cultural facilities Revitalising high streets Local traffic programs.
The 15 local government areas (LGAs) eligible for WestInvest support are: Blacktown Canterbury-Bankstown Parramatta Blue Mountains
Cumberland Penrith Burwood Fairfield
Strathfield Camden Hawkesbury The Hills
Campbelltown Liverpool Wollondilly
A total of $2 billion will be reserved for priority community projects including: up to $400 million directly allocated to the 15 LGAs, with each local council eligible for between $20 million and $35 million, depending on population size $1.6 billion allocated through competitive grants open to non-government organisations, including community groups, not-for-profits, local Aboriginal land councils and local councils. The competitive community grants process will open before the end of March 2022 for eight weeks, with successful projects expected to be determined by September 2022. $3 billion will be made available to NSW Government agencies to deliver ready-to-go transformational projects that will benefit local communities. The allocation of all $5 billion will be informed by a community Have Your Say process. We are now seeking ideas from the community about transformational WestInvest projects to improve community amenity and support economic recovery. These ideas will help ensure the best projects are funded through WestInvest. To provide feedback, visit haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au before the end of March 2022. For more information, visit nsw.gov.au, email westinvest@dpc.nsw.gov.au or call 02 9228 5260.
COVID-19 Business Support Package Expanded Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate - rapid antigen tests now included The Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate will increase from $2,000 to $3,000 and in addition, eligible employing businesses will be able to use the rebate against 50 per cent of the cost of rapid antigen tests, from March 2022. You can also use the funds to offset other Government fees and charges including food authority, liquor and tradesperson licences, event fees, outdoor seating fees, council rates and road user tolls for business use. Already registered businesses will receive an automatic top up of $1,000 and newly registering businesses will receive a rebate of $3,000 soon. Eligible businesses can apply through Service NSW.
Support for the performing arts sector The Performing Arts Relaunch Package has been extended to 30 April 2022 to help the performing arts sector as audiences return to theatres and other performance venues. Eligible entities can apply through Create NSW. Individual performing artists and other industry workers who continue to be impacted by COVID-19 will also benefit from crisis relief thanks to a one-off $5 million grant to Support Act. For more information about the range of COVID-19 financial support for business, please visit nsw.gov.au If you have any questions about the business support package, please call 13 77 88 and ask to speak to a Business Concierge or book a call back via the Service NSW website. Thank you for your continuing support as we work to keep NSW businesses open and workers safe.
Matt Kean Eleni Petinos
Treasurer Minister for Small Business Minister for Energy Minister for Fair Trading
Victor Dominello Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government
MEDIA RELEASE Wednesday, 16 February 2022
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM Small businesses that experienced a downturn over summer can now apply for a NSW Government support payment of up to $5,000 per week through Service NSW. Treasurer Matt Kean said the Small Business Support Program will provide cashflow assistance to help businesses get through the current COVID-19 outbreak and keep workers employed. "Over the summer, Omicron meant many people chose to stay at home, which hit many small businesses hard especially in the hospitality and tourism sectors," Mr Kean said. "Our Small Business Support Program is about making sure businesses that are viable over the medium and long term get through Omicron in good shape so we can bounce back better as case numbers fall. "Small business is the engine of the NSW economy and this targeted program is designed to keep that engine going through this temporary economic shock." Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the Service NSW Business Concierge team and grant assessors are standing by ready to assist customers with applications and get financial support into the hands of business owners. “The majority of customers submitting complete and eligible applications can expect to receive payment within five to 10 business days of approval of their application,” Mr Dominello said. Minister for Small Business Eleni Petinos said the program was part of a suite of responses to the Omicron wave and was designed to help the businesses in greatest need. “The program will provide targeted support to businesses with an annual turnover of between $75,000 and $50 million that experienced a decline in turnover of at least 40 per cent in January 2022 and the start of February 2022,” Ms Petinos said.
“The payment for employing businesses will cover up to 20 per cent of weekly payroll, up to a maximum of $5,000 per week. Eligible nonemploying businesses, such as sole traders, will receive $500 per week. “This program is important to assist small businesses with cash flow and to continue trading.” Funds can be used to cover business expenses such as wages, rent, loss of perishable goods, professional services and other costs. Applications can be made online through the Service NSW MyAccount, by visiting a local service centre or by calling 13 77 88. For more information on the support program, please visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/2022-small-businesssupport-program MEDIA: Lucy Hughes Jones | Treasurer | 0400 436 797 William Sparling | Minister Dominello | 0408 576 636 Cassandra Lawry | Minister Petinos | 0419 684 446
Damien Tudehope
Minister for Finance and Minister for Employee Relations
Eleni Petinos Minister for Small Business and Minister for Fair Trading
MEDIA RELEASE Wednesday, 16 February 2022
HAVE YOUR SAY ON FASTER PAYMENTS POLICY Small business owners are encouraged to have their say on the NSW Government’s Faster Payment Terms Policy as part of a review flagged in the state’s Economic Recovery Strategy. Under the Faster Payments Policy, the NSW Government aims to make eligible payments to registered small business suppliers within five business days. Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said there had been numerous advances in technology, including the introduction of e-invoicing and new payment platforms, since the introduction of the Faster Payments Policy in 2018. “Last year the NSW Government made it easier for businesses to register for faster payments with around 10,000 additional small business automatically registered for the policy,” Mr Tudehope said. “The review will assess whether the policy remains appropriate, how effective and efficient it has been in meeting its objectives and any opportunities for improvement. “If small businesses provide feedback on the policy, we can ensure it is working effectively as we move on from the challenges of COVID-19 and plan for a prosperous future. “If there are any issues, we want to hear about them so we can make improvements if they’re needed and ensure the policy is supporting businesses.” Minister for Small Business and Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said the policy was designed to create greater certainty around cash flow for small businesses. “Under the policy, in the September quarter last year 97.5 per cent of payments were made within five business days,” Ms Petinos said. “Cash flow is a major issue for small businesses, so getting paid on time allows them to cover business expenses such as rent, wages and utilities.
“The NSW Government has taken the lead in ensuring our small businesses are paid quickly. “This is an important measure and I look forward to hearing suggestions on how we can make further improvements to the policy to support the thousands of small businesses who do work with the NSW Government.” When the Faster Payments Policy was introduced in December 2018, payments were made by Government to small businesses within 20 calendar days, and that timeframe has since been reduced to five business days. The review will focus on three key areas: Small Business supplier experience; Administration and implementation; and Technology and related practices In addition to small business owners, the review will also consult with industry bodies representing small business and government agencies. For more information on the existing Faster Payments Policy go to: www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/get-help/faster-payment-terms/fasterpayment-terms-policy To complete the Have Your Say, go to: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/fptreview MEDIA: Ann-Marie Boumerhe | Minister Tudehope | 0447 145 423 Cassandra Lawry | Minister Petinos | 0419 684 446
Damien Tudehope
Minister for Finance and Minister for Employee Relations
Eleni Petinos Minister for Small Business and Minister for Fair Trading
MEDIA RELEASE Friday, 4 February 2022
BILLIONS OF GOVERNMENT DOLLARS GOING TO SMALL AND MEDIUM BUSINESSES Small and medium businesses are front and centre of the NSW Government’s focus when it comes to ensuring they get a larger share of the procurement pie. New figures reveal the Government spent around $34 billion on goods, services and construction in 2020/21, with almost $8 billion spent with SMEs over the financial year. The new data comes after the Government enhanced the way suppliers were classified, resulting in a more accurate and transparent snapshot of how it supported small and medium businesses. Minister for Finance and Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said the 2020/21 data showed more than 49,000 SMEs were engaged in government procurement contracts. “Small businesses have experienced one of their most challenging periods ever – whether it was enduring droughts, floods, bushfires, COVID and a mouse plague, they have shown their resilience and strength. This is why we need to get it right when it comes to supporting them,” Mr Tudehope said. “By generally excluding subsidiaries of multinationals, joint ventures and special purpose vehicles, this data provides a clearer picture on how many SMEs are engaging with Government and through this process of refinement, we are ensuring we can better understand the true impact of how our policies are benefiting SMEs.” The NSW Government is committed to increasing opportunities with SME businesses to access government work, with measures in place including:
1. The SME and Regional Procurement Policy which allows agencies to buy goods and services directly from an SME or regional supplier for all procurements up to $150,000. 2. Business Connect, which offers independent business advice to help small businesses build their capability to supply to government. 3. Tender Support Program, which is providing online courses through TAFE and a written guide to help small businesses learn how to tender for NSW Government contracts. 4. Aboriginal Procurement Policy, which aims to deliver increased opportunities for Aboriginal businesses, which also benefit from the SME & Regional Procurement Policy, to secure NSW Government work. 5. A small business exemption for government agencies to purchase construction services valued up to $50,000 directly from a small business, even where there is a whole of government arrangement in place. “It’s important they have access to Government work opportunities and we need to try harder when it comes to making sure they’re at the top of the list when we’re considering which suppliers to engage,” Mr Tudehope said. Minister for Small Business Eleni Petinos said the data is a powerful reminder of the pivotal role played by SMEs in NSW’s economy. “Small businesses are the engine room of our economy and the lifeblood of so many communities, which is why we are committed to awarding more contracts to them,” Ms Petinos said. “We want to make it easier for SMEs to work with government and have taken steps to save them time, including creating the NSW Supplier Hub to ensure suppliers can be easily found, requiring faster payments for goods and services, and implementing e-invoicing. “Our message to SMEs is clear – we want to ensure you receive a fairer share of procurement spend, so you can continue to deliver critical services and support local jobs.” Businesses can register and search for opportunities to supply to the NSW Government at: https://suppliers.buy.nsw.gov.au/ More information on the SME and Regional Procurement Policy is available at: https://buy.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/policies/sme-and-regionalprocurement-policy More information on the Tender Support Program is available at: https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/small-business-guide-selling-to-nswgovernment More information on the Aboriginal Procurement Policy is available at: https://buy.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/policies/aboriginal-procurement-policy MEDIA: Kylie Adoranti | Minister Tudehope | 0439 085 013 Cassandra Lawry | Minister Petinos | 0419 684 446
👨💼Wally Mehanna, CBCC CEO 0416 012 747 🎯www.cbchamber.org.au 📩ceo@cbcchamber.org.au
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