INDUSTRY NEWS
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MGA attends Federal Small Business Policy Forum seeking solutions for members On 26 November 2021, MGA was invited to attend a high-level Small Business Policy Forum with the Federal Minister for Small Business Stuart Robert, organised by Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson. The forum discussed the many challenges Small Business owners are facing amid the Pandemic and workshopped possible solutions to help small business owners through this difficult period. Minister Robert opened the forum stating government will focus on post COVID-19 recovery with assistance of $271 billion designed to support small business future revitalisation. Measures including reducing red tape and associated cost burdens, investing in technology and digital solutions, were discussed, with an emphasis upon avoiding post COVID-19 unemployment problems that followed the Global Financial Crisis. Matters discussed included:
Pandemic Lessons Forum participants questioned how to capture lessons learned by small business in terms of policy settings, program design and interventions/ support. Key example presented was access to government support services with the solution being to create a one stop shop rather than a series of touch points. It was important to learn lessons from the Pandemic – what has been done well, and what has been done badly. What has been done well includes the use of technology and digital with meeting procedures, signing documents, entering into contracts,
Bruce Billson Worker Shortages meeting Small Business Jan 21
and, for example, allied health providers working remotely.
will be liquidity impacts for some time to come.
Government to business consultation was considered inadequate, particularly in some states, but is improving.
The cost of freight overseas (inward and outbound) has skyrocketed with delays at ports. Fuel supplies and cost of retail operations are under pressure, together with driver shortage concerns and price increases, which was suggested to be more palatable than the consequences of insufficient fuel if demand goes up in the holiday season.
Supply chain problems Participants highlighted severe supply chain problems across industries. There is difficulty purchasing assets and it is not possible to make the most of the instant asset write off, with suggestions this measure will need to be extended for three years. Businesses are observing warehouse stock piling due to supply chain issues; in the wholesale food sector it has been necessary to destroy much perishable food. Unlike hospitality, there has been no government compensation, and there
Small business does not have the same protection as consumers when they cannot afford to pay for utilities due to other liabilities, with many currently struggling to afford bills. A ‘no disconnection’ policy during COVID-19 is helpful but a transition pathway out is needed and strategy to prevent this in the future.
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