The Government has announced various measures to deliver on its Better Deal for Small Business policy. The Budget focuses on enhancing workplace relations between employers and employees and assisting small businesses implement the new paid family and domestic violence leave policy. The Government has also introduced measures to assist small businesses affected by COVID-19 and natural disasters.
Paid family and domestic violence leave – small business assistance
The Government is amending the Fair Work Act 2009 to provide access to 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave and will provide support to small businesses to understand and implement the new entitlement. The leave will apply to all types of employees, including casuals.
The Government will also provide $3.4 million over 4 years from 2022–23 to support the development and delivery of education, technical advice and support services targeting the needs of small business employers to support the implementation of the new leave entitlements.
Workplace relations support for small businesses
The Government is committing $7.9 million over 4 years from 2022–23 for the Fair Work Commission to support the uptake of enterprise bargaining for small businesses.
The Government will also provide additional support to help employers and employees reach agreements and resolve disputes, with improved access to arbitration for intractable disputes. This will be complemented by enhanced access to multi-employer bargaining. Together with increased bargaining support for small business and an investment in the Fair Work Commission's expertise, more businesses will be supported to reach agreements with their employees that improve pay outcomes.
Supporting the well-being of small business owners
The Government will provide $15.1 million from 1 January 2023 until 31 December 2024 to extend the Small Business Debt Helpline and the NewAccess for Small Business Owners programs to support the financial and mental wellbeing of small business owners. The NewAccess for Small Business Owners program is a free, confidential one-on-one mental health coaching program delivered by Beyond Blue and the Small Business Debt Helpline is a dedicated small business financial counselling service delivered by Financial Counselling Australia.
Investing in the energy efficiency of small and medium-sized businesses
In response to rising energy costs, the Government is committing $62.6 million to support small and medium-sized businesses in improving their energy efficiency and reducing energy use. These grants will empower small and medium-sized businesses to invest in cost-saving, energy efficient upgrades that will put downward pressure on power bills.
The Government will also support small and medium sized businesses improve their energy efficiency by upgrading old and inefficient equipment, reducing their energy use and helping to drive down their energy bills.
Additional small business measures
A range of additional measures for small businesses have been announced. These include:
- An additional $12 million over four years to community legal centres in New South Wales and Queensland, to support bushfire and flood affected individuals, small businesses, and primary producers following these natural disasters.
- Grants received prior to 30 June 2022 under the Australian Capital Territory Small Business Hardship Scheme can be made non-assessable, non-exempt (NANE) for income tax purposes, subject to eligibility.
