New Federal Minister Michael McCormack plans to put regional small businesses in focus

With Nationals MP Michael McCormack sworn in as new Small Business Minister, regional small businesses will be brought on the forefront of the federal government’s focus.

Michael McCormack. Source: SBS

The Minister grew up on a farm near Wagga Wagga, and has spent his entire life in that community. With 35% of small businesses based outside of capital cities, he hopes he can bring regional small businesses to the spotlight.

“It brings a new focus to the portfolio. Regional Australia is where so much Australian activity, business and the economy is driven from.”

In his new role, Minister McCormack looks to “getting around to as many chambers of commerce, to getting around as many main streets, back alleys, country towns as I can to make sure I turn up and listen. To make sure that not only do I listen, but I also act.”

The Minister hopes to put more focus on regional small businesses.

However, many small businesses are concerned that the sector is being forgotten, as the portfolio has been shafted out of the Cabinet and into the outer ministry. The Minister assures that this is not the case.

“Now, as opposed to prior the election, they’ve actually got a dedicated Minister. So now, wholely and solely, my focus is on small business.”

“When there are matters of importance, legislation that is coming from Parliament that the Cabinet needs to sign off on relating to small business, I’ll be called into Cabinet to explain, to justify, and to give reasons as to why they should become legislation.”

Simone Eyles, co-founder of 365 Cups and owner of Working Spaces HQ in Wagga Wagga, says the biggest challenge she’s faced as a small business owner is dealing with government regulation and compliance.

Wagga Wagga local business owner Simone Eyles speaks to the Minister about red tape concerns.

Simone says, “I’d really like to do more business with government and get rid of that red tape. It’s a real hassle. And just encouraging and supporting entrepreneurs and having more people like Michael come and visit regional centres and small business, and be on the ground and see what really is happening and how they can support and have that communication.”

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