“Protection racket”: SMEs lose out as procurement panels benefit Big 4 consultants, says parliamentary report
A key system connecting the private sector to lucrative government contracts operates as a "protection racket" to the detriment of small and medium businesses, a new parliamentary committee report says.
“Shut out”: Small businesses locked out of $81 billion government contracts urged to come forward
Small business operators who believe they have been locked out lucrative government contracts have been invited to share their views with a formal inquiry into the multi-billion dollar system.
The $80 billion question: New ASBFEO inquiry asks if small businesses are locked out of government contracts
The multi-billion dollar flow of taxpayer funds to small business contractors will come under investigation by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), as the federal government attempts to lock in its new small business procurement target.
Queensland pledges to spend $300 million more on SME procurement
The National Retail Association says the change will give the state’s SMEs a much-needed boost.
Government sets 20% procurement target to give SMEs “a better deal”
The Albanese government says it will ensure small and medium businesses are awarded a greater share of Commonwealth contracts, as part of its commitment to creating “a better deal for small business”.
Grants of up to $50,000 available to help WA small businesses win government contracts
Three new rounds of the $2 million Local Capability Fund (LCF) have been announced by the WA state government.
Female small business owners are driving Australia’s economic recovery. The Albanese government needs to support them
As the Albanese government settles in, it must consider boosting female-owned small businesses as a line of defence against the onslaught of economic challenges Australia currently faces.
Worker shortages, inflation, and climate: Here are the key small business concerns as Labor takes power
Sensing the potential for a Labor shake-up in Canberra, small business organisations have expressed their key concerns.
“Pro-business, pro-employer”: Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers says Labor is in industry’s corner ahead of the election
After running through Labor's broad plan at the National Press Club, Chalmers said a Labor government would focus on "boosting the resilience of small business".
Government to make it easier for SMEs to win procurement contracts
The government plans to make it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to win infrastructure, defence and other government procurement contracts, as part of its budget announcements.
Big businesses with federal government contracts to pay suppliers in 20 days
Big businesses that win lucrative federal government contracts will soon be required to pay their own suppliers within 20 days, in the latest move by the government to address late payments to small businesses.
NSW budget: Faster payments for small business subcontractors and new procurement limits for SMEs
Big businesses with government contracts in New South Wales will be required to pay their subcontractors within 20 days, under a policy to be included in next week’s state budget.
