Small businesses account for 97% of Australia’s consulting industry and our team is laser-focused on advocacy and activities that make a difference to these businesses. Consult Australia’s Head of Policy and Government Relations Kristy Eulenstein has some recent wins to share.

“Our members deliver solutions to some of Australia’s most complex challenges – and it is our job to find solutions that make it easier for them to do what they do best,” Kristy says.

Kristy joined Consult Australia in 2019 and since then has devoted many hours to the issues that matter to small members.

“We have a lot of avenues for small business members to share their views and raise their voices, whether that is through board representation, SME open forums or the annual SME Series.”

One area where Consult Australia delivers dividends for small businesses is in advocacy with government, as several recent key wins illustrate.

Consult Australia’s submission on payment issues was frequently cited in the final report into the Review of the Payment Reporting Times Act 2020. 

The final recommendations, released in early September, “reflect many of the advocacy positions we put forward on behalf of our members to ensure businesses – particularly small businesses – are paid on time,” Kristy says.

Similarly, the NSW Small Business Commissioner recently released two guides: one for local councils and another for small business owners.
 
“We were pleased to see that the procurement advice to local government reflects our long-term advocacy, including that councils simplify tender processes, use clear and concise contracts, and ensure contracts do not place unnecessary risk exposure on small businesses. The guide also recommends diverse supplier lists and fast payments.”

Consult Australia suggests members use the local council guide when working with councils in New South Wales. “We will point to this guide as a leading example when we are advocating for small businesses in other states and territories,” Kristy adds.

The Commonwealth Treasury is currently seeking feedback on unfair trading practices.

“This is an ideal opportunity for us to communicate the behaviour faced by our members when negotiating contracts which may not meet the bar of ‘unfair contract terms’,” Kristy notes.

Members with examples of unreasonable insurance requirements, withholding payments without reason or other behaviours experienced on the ground can contact Consult Australia.

Other consultations are also underway, and each will be an opportunity to share the views of small business. Among these is the proposed NSW Small Business Charter, an election commitment from Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper.

Consult Australia’s work on behalf of members doesn’t stop with advocacy, Kristy notes. 

“A few years ago, we established our Open Forums for small business members, where we have no agenda but set aside time every eight weeks for members to ask us anything and share their experiences. These are some of the most valuable meetings I participate in. It’s where I get the real insight into how our members operate and how I can fight for them.”

In further support of Consult Australia’s small business members is the SME Series Summit, coming up in November, designed to address all aspects of running a small business. A range of topics will be covered, from industry trends to insurance, digital disruption to business development.

“We want to empower participants with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed."

The Consult Australia SME Series 2023 will be held on 28 November and 5 December 2023. Find out more and book your tickets today.