Small Business industry update - Queensland Small Business Champion Update

Small Business industry update
	Small business is set to benefit from Queensland Government action on electricity prices, procurement and payment security in the building and construction industry. See below for more on these initiatives, as well as details of small business dispute resolution options, the ‘Go Local’ campaign and the Business Queensland website.
	Government action on electricity prices Rising electricity prices are a big concern for small businesses. This is the case across Australia and certainly in Queensland, where some small businesses are facing a 4.1% increase in electricity prices compared to last financial year (Queensland Competition Authority, 2017). The recent release of the Queensland Government’s Powering Queensland Plan aims to stabilise electricity prices by: investing funds to cover the cost of the Solar Bonus Scheme, removing its $770 million burden on network charges returning the Swanbank E gas-fired power station to service to increase electricity supply directing Stanwell Corporation to undertake strategies to place downward pressure on wholesale prices investigating the restructure of government-owned generators and the establishment of a ‘CleanCo’ to operate Queensland’s existing renewable and low-emissions energy generation assets and develop new renewable energy projects implementing the Queensland Gas Action Plan and increasing gas supply for the Australian market. For more information, see the Powering Queensland Plan. To help make sure your small business is getting the best deal on energy prices, head to the Australian Energy Regulator’s Energy Made Easy website to compare pricing and look for cost-effective suppliers.
High voltage towers near Brisbane, Queensland Image sourced from the Powering Queensland Plan
	New ‘Buy Queensland’ Government Procurement Policy The Queensland Government’s new Procurement Policy opens the door to more government contracts for local small businesses. It includes a new ‘local benefits test’ for significant procurement processes, giving up to 30% weighting in the tender evaluation process to businesses who are local to the project area. A series of supplier briefings are being held around the state during October. For more details, visit the Department of Housing and Public Works.
Image sourced from the Queensland Procurement Policy 2017

	Go Local campaign launched The Queensland Government’s ‘Go Local’ campaign, initially launched in April 2017 to support businesses impacted by Tropical Cyclone Debbie, has been extended state-wide. With the theme ‘Go Local, Grow Local’, this exciting campaign celebrates local business owners and encourages consumers to support them. Through newspaper, television and social media advertisements, the campaign is creating awareness of the benefits of spending money locally, and encouraging Queenslanders to proudly share their experiences supporting local businesses. You can be part of this campaign. Campaign material (posters and brochures) and more information is available on the Go Local website.
Better payment security for businesses in building and construction Businesses – particularly subcontractors – in the building and construction industry are set to benefit from an improved security of payment framework, with the Queensland Government’s introduction of the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Bill 2017. This new legislation will establish Project Bank Accounts for projects valued at $1 million, and modernise and simplify the provisions for making a subcontractors charge. It is currently under consideration by the Public Works and Utilities Committee, after which it will be returned to Parliament for final debate.
Dispute resolution options for Queensland small businesses There are a number of options available to businesses experiencing difficulties in resolving disputes over payment (or other matters). Queensland-based services include: Department of Justice mediation service Queensland Building and Construction Commission Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearings for consumer and trader disputes up to $25,000 value. National services include: Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman pre-mediation assistance and referrals Australian Competition and Consumer Commission investigation and advice.
Business Queensland website Information and support to help small businesses run and grow in Queensland is available on the Business Queensland website. Resources include: starting a business running a business employing people investing in Queensland. For more information, visit the Business Queensland website.