Labor is proposing to give small business a greater role in workplace relations policy.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is set to announce a new small business package, starting with the appointment of an adviser with proven small business experience to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
This adviser will work across the Ombudsman and Fair Work Commission to develop policy and practice to reflect the needs of small business.
This will cost $1.1 million over four years.
These measures follow a series of small business policy announcements such as the move to allow more firms to report their GST yearly rather than quarterly.
Mr Rudd said a Small Business Consultative Council would be created as a subcommittee of the National Workplace Relations Consultative Council, the consultative body on national workplace relations policy.
"This will ensure a strong voice for small business employers and union representatives from the small business sector in national workplace relations," he said.
Finally, there will be new funding for the Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA) of $200,000 a year for two years to conduct research and advocacy on behalf of small businesses.
Mr Rudd said these changes would ensure a fair go and an improved operating environment for small business.
"They will give small business a seat at the table and extra resources to contribute to workplace relations policy," he said.
