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NSW Treasury Small Business Economic Recovery Forum
NATIONAL NEW SOUTH WALES
Since the bushfire disasters in late 2019 and then through the COVID-19 period to now, NSW Small Business Commissioner Chris Lamont, together with COSBOA, has coordinated a regular meeting with the NSW Treasurer, Small Business Minister, Treasury and various other NSW Departments including Transport. This valuable forum has become an essential vehicle to address the many needs of small businesses throughout NSW.
Discussions included the most recent updates on COVID-19 cases throughout NSW. How hotspots have been addressed, an economic update of the NSW, Australian and Global economy relative to the challenging times we find ourselves in and the issues Small Businesses are facing in NSW and what assistance can be given to small businesses. MGA TMA has been a regular member of this leadership forum and has elevated many issues of concern on behalf of our members.
NSW is a clear Australian leader compared to other Governments and their agencies in small business collaboration and consultancy, giving small businesses certainty and confidence in very difficult times.
Members of the NSW Treasury Small Business Economic Recovery hold their regular meetings online.
On Monday, 28th June, MGA attended the Small Business Commissioners and NSW Treasury Small Business Economic Reform Taskforce meeting. In particular, many matters were discussed, the COVID-19 lockdowns and the economic and social impacts on small business owners, as well as casual staff who are unable to obtain hours of work given business, are closed.
The Small Business Commissioner opened the meeting and introduced Dr Richard Broome, who updated the current COVID-19 Public Health Orders and restrictions in Sydney and NSW regions. Minister for Small Business , The Hon Damien Tudehope MLC provided an update on the enhancement to the Small Business Commission’s budget and small business measures included in the State budget that was recently announced.
Minister Tudehope advised that the NSW Government was developing a small business relief package in response to the current public health orders attached to COVID-19, in addition to existing NSW Government initiatives such as the $1,500 digital voucher rebate scheme and the Dine and Discover vouchers.
Mr William Murphy provided insights on access to the www.nsw.gov.au website as the primary government platform for information on the current COVID-19 outbreak. There have been 2.3 million visitors on the NSW.gov website between 26-27th June and a substantial increase in social media interest.
Mr William Murphy also advised that QR codes in retail premises are mandatory. MGA will keep NSW members informed of any further COVID-19 restrictions as they arise.
