SMALL BUSINESS

The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN (14:35): Will the Leader of the Government and Minister for Small Business provide some information regarding the South Australian government's commitment to small business?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (14:36): I thank the honourable member for his question. This government is committed to assisting small business. It acknowledges the valued contribution of small business in South Australia, and we are strongly aware of the obstacles and challenges that small businesses face. Small business continues to make a significant contribution to this state's social and economic development, as well as its wellbeing and character. I can advise members that 96 per cent of South Australian firms are small businesses, employing more than 46 per cent of the total non-agricultural private sector workforce.

During the launch of the 2008 Small Business Month in September this year, I had the pleasure of announcing the state government's commitment to undertake the development of a Small Business Statement, which will help shape South Australia's small business policy. The objective of the statement will be to create the most supportive business environment in Australia for small business to grow and prosper. The statement will be developed during the next 12 months, with input from the Business Development Council, the government's main adviser on small and family business issues.

This important policy-guiding document will be a whole-of-government statement that will entrench the Rann Labor government's commitment to small business. It is intended that the statement will be ready for Small Business Month in 2009, and will:

outline a five-year vision for small business;

reinforce the state government' s commitment to small business;

raise the profile of small business in South Australia;

showcase innovative and successful small businesses; and

detail the services and associated budget for government programs and services.

Today I am delighted to announce that the state government will be calling for public submissions from the community suggesting what the South Australian government can do to assist small business further. This will help to ensure that the government continues to deliver the right services to the important small business sector.

Submissions can be lodged electronically through a dedicated website, www.southaustralia.biz/sbstatement, and alternatively submissions can be emailed or posted. The Department of Trade and Economic Development will have a dedicated email address and telephone number to assist people further to lodge a submission. The government will be targeting not only small business for feedback but also business associations and business groups, such as business enterprise centres and regional development boards. The deadline for submissions is Friday 30 January 2009, and I encourage all small business operators and industry groups to make sure their voice is heard as we work together towards framing this important policy statement.