Small firms key to G20 target: Billson

Small Business Minister Bruce Billson believes small firms will be the key drivers of growth as the mining investment boom subsides.

Small businesses will be crucial to Group of 20 plans to achieve its growth and job targets.

Federal Small Business Minister Bruce Billson will tell a Melbourne conference on Friday that in Australia's case, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be driving the economy as the mining investment boom subsides.

The G20 in February, under Australia's presidency, agreed to lift global economic growth by two per cent above current projections over the next five years, creating tens of millions of jobs.

"SME's will be crucial in achieving the G20 objectives and a stronger and more prosperous global economy," Mr Billson will say.

He says SMEs can be more adaptable and flexible, able to exploit niche markets and develop and embrace new technologies.

They can also respond to price and demand conditions more quickly and are more disciplined faced with competition.

The minister says in his prepared speech that the Abbott government is committed to ensuring Australian SME's thrive and grow in a competitive economy.

However, the challenge of achieving robust and sustainable growth extends well beyond Australia's own backyard.

"The recoveries underway in advanced economies are welcome, but long overdue, with growth remaining subdued," he says.

While dealing with legacy issues from the global financial crisis remains a priority, more job creation and business investment in this recovery is needed.

Mr Billson will address the "G20 Agenda for Growth - Opportunities for SMEs conference" at noon.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world