Small business minister visits Woy Woy
Minister for Small Business Ms Katrina Hodgkinson and Member for Gosford Mr Chris Holstein met with local business leaders in Woy Woy in the week of Monday, October 7.
The key issues discussed were aspects of payroll tax, further reduction of red tape, the importance of liaison between State and Federal governments for small business and positive feedback of the Small Biz Bus's recent visits.
The Minister met with NSW Business Chamber (Central Coast) regional manager Mr Daniel Farmer, Gosford Chamber of Commerce president Ms Ali Vidler, Gosford Business Improvement District manager Mr Paul Brasch.
"The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government is committed to supporting the State's small businesses," Mr Holstein said.
Mr Holstein said that Ms Hodgkinson's achievements included the roll out of Small Biz Connect, the allocation of $13.8 million in 2013-14 for small business, including $7.5 million for the Small Biz Connect program by the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government, and the launch of two Small Biz Buses.
He said she had implemented the election commitment to ensure agencies paid bills to their small business suppliers within 30 days, or automatically pay interest on the outstanding amount.
She had also implemented a "one on two off" policy to reduce red tape, helping small businesses across NSW overcome the administrative burden and had established the State's first Small Business Commissioner as an independent statutory officer.
He said the Commissioner has enhanced powers to investigate complaints about unfair treatment of small businesses, require local councils, government bodies and other businesses to provide information or answer questions, when a complaint is made and submit to Parliament a special report, including recommendations on small business issues.
Under the legislation, the Commissioner also has the power to require businesses to attend compulsory mediation to resolve disputes prior to commencing legal action.
Media release, 14 Oct 2013
Chris Holstein, Member for Gosford