Giving small businesses a fair go to better access $15 billion of State Government contracts is at the centre of a new policy released by the LNP for Small Business week today.
As part of Queensland Small Business Week, LNP Shadow Minister for Small Business and Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson will be meeting with local businesses on the Sunshine Coast, including a local turf producer.
“This is a practical way to ensure taxpayers’ dollars also help build local businesses and local jobs,” Ms Simpson said.
“We want to help small businesses grow and employ more people.”
Ms Simpson said that a LNP State Government would prioritise government procurement to ensure small businesses get priority consideration for contracts up to $250,000.
Ms Simpson said Queensland taxpayers already spend more than $15 billion a year on goods and services but Queensland small businesses miss out because they need fairer access.
“Our prioritising procurement policy will put Queensland SMEs front and centre in procurement decisions to make sure taxpayer dollars are spent supporting those businesses that support our regions,” Ms Simpson said.
“These LNP policies deliver value for money and back small businesses to grow, invest and succeed.
“Labor’s procurement policy has no specific provisions for Queensland small and medium sized enterprises.”
Today’s announcement also includes a plan to mentor 8000 young Queenslanders and provide them with the tools to launch their own small business.
“There is high unemployment, a youth jobs crisis in regional Queensland, low wage growth and a lack of confidence,” Ms Simpson said.
“The March Sensis Business Index ranked the Palaszczuk Labor Government as the least popular government among small and medium sized businesses for the fourth consecutive quarter.
“While the April CommSec State of the States report ranked Queensland in 6th place nationally.
“The statistics speak for themselves and only the LNP is committed to making Queensland the economic powerhouse it once was, while backing small business in the process.
LNP Government policies to back small business:
No new taxes
- Fair pay policy
- Red tape reduction
- Inspire the next generation
- Prioritise procurement
- Cheaper electricity
Further reading:
https://www.deb2020.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/SmallBusiness.pdf
