Council
13 November, 2025
MP slams failure to support small business
MEMBER for South West Coast Roma Britnell has called for a renewed approach to supporting local business after saying a program announced last week misses the mark.
Ms Britnell said the small business community had responded with frustration to the State Government announcing the Business Skills Mentoring program, calling for meaningful support in the form of tax relief and reduced financial barriers.
Minister for Small Business and Employment Natalie Suleyman last week launched the program, which offers up to 1000 eligible small business owners three one-hour mentoring sessions.
Ms Britnell said while the government claims the initiative will help businesses build skills and navigate challenges, operators had told her the program “misses the mark entirely”.
She said one business owner had slammed the program as “completely ridiculous” in urging for payroll tax relief or a tax refund, while another said it was “insulting and completely out of touch” for the government to think business owners require mentorship.
“I’ve heard these concerns loud and clear,” Ms Britnell said.
“Small business owners don’t need bureaucratic box-ticking, they need meaningful financial relief.
“They need lower taxes, reduced red tape and support to keep their doors open and staff employed.”
“These successful businesses are not asking for hand-holding, they need breathing room. Mentoring won’t pay the rent or cover rising costs.
“It’s a distraction from what they actually need.”
Ms Britnell said the government needed to hear the concerns of business owners and instead pivot to programs which could better meet the needs of the business community.
“I urge the Minister for Small Business and Employment to listen to the people who are actually running businesses on the ground. Symbolic programs won’t cut it,” she said.
“Victoria’s small businesses deserve better.
“Small business needs effective support because when they thrive, our economy and our communities thrive with them.”
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