But the small business role is just one component of Arbib's workload – he will also serve as Assistant Treasurer, Manager of Government Business in the Senate, and Minister for Sport.
The NSW right-winger was a surprise appointment to the small business position and is leaving behind the portfolios of Social Housing and Homelessness and Indigenous Employment.
Arbib, former convenor of the national right, entered Parliament a few years ago. He is best known for his role in deposing Kevin Rudd for Julia Gillard last year, a coup that delivered the organisers the nickname "faceless men".
SmartCompany welcomes Arbib to the position and has a few ideas to get the ball rolling for small business:
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Use that influence
"My feeling is he's considered to be quite an influence in the Labor Party, so the fact the portfolio's been given to a powerful person is a good thing," says Peter Strong, executive director of the Council of Small Business of Australia.
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Find the time
Arbib may be talented and ambitious, but his bumper workload – particularly the demands of getting across the Assistant Treasurer role – risks leaving small business as an afterthought.
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Push for small business to get into Cabinet
Yes, it's unlikely – Cabinet has already been expanded to 22 people. But given the importance of small business to the economy, it deserves a place. As Arbib said after his appointment, "Australia's more than two million small businesses keep the economy ticking over and keep Australians employed. They are at the heart of Labor's economic policy."
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Tax reform
It's not yet clear who will take over what in the reshuffle, but there are some big reports to come out next year, including the business tax working group and the retail taskforce asked to find financially responsible ways of taxing online purchases valued under $1,000.
These reports come under Arbib's purview as Assistant Treasurer, and will be relevant for many small businesses. (Arbib's office says it doesn't have allocation of responsibilities yet and Ministers will be sworn in tomorrow.)
But beyond this, COSBOA advocates a broadening of the definition of small business in recognition that only a third of small businesses are incorporated.
It's also calling for small business to be removed from the responsibilities of distributing superannuation and paid parental leave. The latter is supported by the Coalition.
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Capitalise on that sport portfolio
Strong says having one person in charge of small business and sport could boost opportunities for SMEs hoping to capitalise on major sporting events. "Big events like the Commonwealth Games can be a benefit to small business, but they are often locked out because of planning problems or red tape," Strong says.
For his part, Shadow Small Business Minister Bruce Billson says the newly appointed Small Business Minister should:
- Focus on red-tape reduction.
- Commit to a root-and-branch review of competition policy.
- End the "coordinated attack on legitimate independent contractors and the self-employed."
written by wim090754, December 13, 2011
written by PompousGoose, December 15, 2011
What we want is government to get out of the road and out of our pockets ... and if you want to leave your hand in our pocket then give us some incentive to leave it there.
We are the biggest tax collectors in the land, yet governments penalises us. We are the biggest employer, yet government penalises us; we provide security and welfare for the vast bulk of working Australians and we play an i9mportant role in the social assets of the community ... yet we are disrespected; we are poorly represented and we are constently told through disingenuous platitudes that we are not worthy of a cabinet position nor a MInister who actually has experience ... and this goes for the Coalition as well.
If we look at the representation of small business ... well that's another sad lonely story. We need a voice ... where are you?
Spoken like an imbecile wearing a blindfold. This former beach inspector, restaurant cook and trade union official has no place in heading the small business portfolio. Arbib is the third former union official in a row to be handed this important portfolio by the Labor government. Needless to say that not a single one of them had any experience at running a business.
A publication like Smart Company has no business in welcoming a worthless air thief like Arbib to head this portfolio, and should be ACTIVELY engaged in trying to ensure his early demise. Sorry guys, but it's time to stop the PC BS and call this appointment for what is - a reward for assisting the rise of the worst, most anti-business Prime Minister (and government) in Australia's history.