Australian Small Business Commissioner (ASBC), Mark Brennan, and ASIC Regional Commissioner – Queensland, Brett Bassett, recognise the important role regional businesses play in the Australian economy.

Mark Brennan and Brett Bassett have met with small business stakeholders in North Queensland to discuss the issues that face small businesses in regional areas, while also increasing awareness of ASBC and ASIC and the resources they have available to help small businesses and professional bodies.

Approximately 80 attendees from legal, accounting and professional organisations participated across four events in Cairns and Townsville on 15 and 16 October 2014.

‘The warm reception from the North Queensland business community was heartening. They were pleased we had made the trip and were eager to engage,’ Mr Bassett said.

‘ASIC is actively working with accounting bodies and law societies to educate businesses and improve awareness about their legal obligations,’ Mr Bassett said. ‘These partnerships also help us better understand the impact of policy and compliance issues affecting businesses.’

Mr Brennan agreed, ‘the enthusiasm and dedication of the participants was encouraging and it was great to see so many professionals committed to improving the business environment in their region.’

‘Every player in the business community can get better at what they do,’ Mr Brennan told attendees. ‘As professional organisations you have an important role to play in influencing and improving the business environment. You are a key source of trusted information for small businesses.’

Mr Brennan encouraged lawyers to colour-code contracts for clients, and accountants to go beyond tax and identify broader opportunities for their small business clients.

At the events, Brett Bassett discussed ASIC’s role in supporting small business and the resources they have available, including a new smartphone app to help small businesses undertake important checks before they enter into business transactions with other organisations.

‘There was an air of positivity and participants were particularly interested in business management skills and ASIC’s work regarding illegal phoenix activity,’ Mr Bassett said. “’Small businesses in regional areas can have difficulty accessing training and skills development, ‘particularly in relation to director responsibilities as a company grows.’

‘Partnering with ASIC for these events was a great way to engage with regional stakeholders and we look forward to working with them again in the near future,’ Mr Brennan said. ‘When Government agencies work together, to provide information and services, small business stakeholders win.’

For information about:

• dispute resolution and running your small business visit the ASBC website
• business name registration and ASIC initiatives visit the ASIC website.