LNP backs Queensland small businesses

Small businesses right across Queensland will be better off under a Deb Frecklington LNP Government, as confidence under Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk collapses.

LNP Leader Deb Frecklington and Shadow Minister for Small Business Fiona Simpson unveiled two new LNP policies, as part of Queensland Small Business Week.

Ms Frecklington said an LNP Government will prioritise procurement to support Queensland small businesses and inspire the next generation of business owners.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Queensland’s economy and the LNP’s plan delivers the support they deserve,” Ms Frecklington said.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government has turned it’s back on small businesses and can’t be trusted to create jobs.

“We want to help existing businesses get ahead and support the next generation of small business leaders.

“That’s why we have a plan to mentor 8000 young Queenslanders and provide them with the tools to launch their own small business.”

Aspart of the new initiatives announced, the LNP will prioritise government procurement to ensure small businesses get priority consideration for contracts under $250,000.

Ms Simpson said Queensland taxpayers already spend more than $15 billion a year on goods and services but local small businesses miss out because they can’t compete.

“Labor’s procurement policy has no specific provisions for Queensland small and medium sized enterprises,” Ms Simpson said.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government is anti-small business and does not recognise the significant contribution SMEs make to Queensland’s local communities.

“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 communities.

“These LNP policies deliver value for money and back small businesses to grow, invest and succeed.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk is out of touch and doesn’t listen to small business owners.

“There is high unemployment, a youth jobs crisis in regional Queensland, low wage growth and a lack of confidence.

“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: