The Hon. Bruce Billson MP, Minister for Small Business opens The QSR Media Conference 2014
QSR's to get a boost from government policies.
Surviving in small business is never easy and minister Billson said that the latest numbers show that 519,000 jobs have been lost in the small business community. "That's 15,044 every week."
"It didn't hit the headlines because often, these are not union jobs. This from the sector who provided half of the private sector employment," he said.
Billson said that the Australian restaurant industry faces a challenging economy as he noted that the government is putting in a lot of effort to remove unnecessary challenges and create an environment that will let businesses flourish.
"I know you are working for the payroll, you have rents to meet, landlords hounding you despite the anemic outlook. This has brought me to the role I have today, that kind of enterprise, that entrepreneurship we need to nurture. We need to value. [We want to create an] entrepreneurial ecosystem."
He noted that his efforts are focused on removing challenges, unnecessary taxes and to not make an already narrow margin business more challenging that it needs to be. Adding, the effort of the entrepreneurs must be supported, so that the reward is at least in reach. "Never guaranteed but at credibly in reach."
"Our work is to get the environment right. I am dedicated to that cause and a member of the cabinet, so when 20 individuals make those decisions that affect the direction of country, debating and weighing policy options, I can ensure that small businesses and family enterprise considerations are front and center, not an after thought but inculcated into those deliberations... The trajectory has to be arrested. [The government] needs to support renaissance in entrepreneurship, so that we can see once again individuals believing and feeling and are prepared to take that risk to invest, create new business and opportunities in our country."
In 2007, Australia was ranked 68th in the world for the burden red tape compliance cost in the economy. After... new amendments, the country is now ranked at 127th. "How can we remove obstacles? We need to remove head winds that serves no purpose, he said. "How do we support entrepreneurial thinking? So that despite being challenging, entrepreneurs will still give it to go."
He believed that being attuned to the challenges entrepreneurs face and and creating a supportive environment will allow the industry to grow and contribute more to the economy.
