Toowoomba North Small Business Advisory Committee launched

The inaugural meeting of the Toowoomba North Small Business Advisory Committee was held this morning, with 10 representatives from the local small business community focusing their attention on regulatory and legislative reforms which will improve small business outcomes and promote growth across the sector.

LNP Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts said initial feedback from the Toowoomba North Small Business Advisory Committee concerned the rising cost of electricity, the availability and accessibility of business finance, the impact of payroll tax and audits, and worker’s compensation.

“It’s clear from today’s meeting, the burden of government administration is impacting the bottom line of many small businesses in Toowoomba North,” Mr Watts said.

Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts MP with the 2019 Toowoomba North Small Business Advisory Committee members (L to R: Albab Khan & Adnun Khan, formerly of Cioccolato; Bruce Louden from Big Tyre; Melissa Taylor from Taylor’s Removals and Storage; John Yeo from Northpoint Meats; Craig Stibbard from Craig’s Highfields Hardware; Danielle Blyth from New Brew Café; Jim O’Dea, member of Highfields and District Business Connections and Manager at Proterra Group; and Robert Schatz from Totally Baked Grand Central).

“Regulatory interference prevents small businesses from capitalising on opportunities to expand their business, employ more staff and improve productivity and profitability.

“Toowoomba North has an incredibly diverse and dynamic small business community, which underpins the local economy.

“It is important to hear from the local small business community about the issues affecting their day-to-day operations so we can inform legislative and regulatory changes that will make life easier for small business owners and see small businesses thrive.   

“Improving business confidence and reducing the burden of government administration on small business owners is an important part of promoting growth across the small business sector and supporting local businesses which have been an integral part of our local community for generations.

“Feedback from the committee will be presented to Queensland Parliament.  

“The committee’s feedback will also be used to inform better policies to address the unique challenges many small businesses face.”