Joint media release with the Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash

Australia’s small businesses will be given access to support and advice from some of the nation’s best business minds, under a new advisory group announced today by the Liberal National Government.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Small Business Advisory Group will make it easier for businesses to succeed and flourish, and in turn invest, expand and hire more local staff.

"The Liberal National Government recognises small businesses are the engine room of our economy, and the establishment of this advisory group reinforces our commitment to ensuring they’re supported," Minister Andrews said.

"The expert knowledge and real world experiences of the advisory group members will complement the services already available on business.gov.au and build on the Coalition’s strong track record of supporting small businesses.

"This advisory group is just one part of the Coalition’s broader plan to ensure small businesses are better off, because when they’re better off the economy grows and more Australian jobs are created."

Minister Andrews will co-chair the Small Business Advisory Group with the Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education Michaelia Cash.

Minister Cash said the advisory group would harness a number of the Liberal National Government initiatives including encouraging small businesses to enhance their digital capability and take advantage of the Government’s increased emphasis on mental health and well-being for small business operators, in particular, sole traders.

"Small business is the engine room of the Australian economy, employing around 99% of the private sector workforce and 7 million Australians. The Liberal National Government is committed to helping the small business sector to grow so they can do what they do best – generate economic growth and employ more Australians," Minister Cash said.

"We are committed to developing the policies that will enable them to reach new markets, increase productivity and create efficiencies, and are also committed to addressing the mental health and well-being of the sector – and we have delivered an initiative for each of these objectives."

"This advisory group will only complement the Government in implementing these policies that are specifically targeted to the small business sector."

On the 10 person advisory group are;

 Kate Carnell, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman

 Peter Strong, CEO of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia

 Russell Zimmerman, Executive Director, Australian Retailers Association

 Juliana Payne, CEO, Restaurants and Catering Australia

 Paul Meissner, Founder & Managing Director, 5ways Accounting

 Kym Clarke, Founder & Owner, She’s Empowered

 Matthew Addison, Executive Director, Institute of Certified Bookkeepers

 Michelle Melbourne, Executive Director, Intelledox

 John Chapman, South Australian Small Business Commissioner

 Dominic Ooi, Director, South West Sydney Business Enterprise Centre

The group is expected to report to co-chairs Ministers Andrews and Cash in early 2019.

Media contacts: Minister Andrews' office: (02) 6277 7070; Minister Cash's office: (02) 6277 7610