South Australia’s small business community representatives will have better access to the Government following today’s launch of the Small Business Round Table.

The round table has been established to provide greater collaboration and communication between the State Government and the small business community.

Premier Jay Weatherill addressed the inaugural round table and outlined the Government’s commitment to developing business in this State in line with his recently announced ten point plan. Deputy Premier and Minister for Industrial Relations John Rau addressed the group on the significant reforms the Government has proposed for WorkCover, which is currently before Parliament.

Investment and Trade Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith, who chaired the round table, said leaders from the local business community will come together with the State Government quarterly to discuss key policy items such as red tape reduction, tax and the economic outlook for small businesses.

“We are committed to supporting the small business sector within South Australia,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“Small businesses are a major contributor to economic activity and employment in the State.

“With approximately 140,000 small businesses representing around 97 per cent of total businesses in the State, the benefit of supporting small businesses on our total economic output is clear.

“Small and medium sized businesses are the foundation of South Australia’s economy and the driving force of employment and growth, which is why the Government has recognised their importance within the economic priorities.”

In August, the Premier Jay Weatherill announced the State Government’s vision for South Australia’s economic transformation, highlighting 10 economic priorities that aim to unlock the full potential of South Australia as a place to do business, create jobs, develop industry and attract investment.

“The Small Business Round Table provides an opportunity to act as a sounding board on policy issues where appropriate,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“We want to make South Australia the best place to do business, ensuring that we commit ourselves to fixing unnecessary barriers to business growth; that we speed up the approval process; ensure that our regulations promote innovation; and strive for a strong customer service ethos across our Government agencies.”

Small Business Minister Tom Koutsantonis, who will also chair the round table, said recent State Government initiatives to support small business include: