This area of the site is intended to provide a brief overview of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research's role in assisting the small business sector, as well as a range of small business information.
In short, the Department is a focal point for the development and consideration of small business policy issues within Government. It is responsible for promoting and maintaining links across the Australian Government departments and agencies responsible for implementing elements of the Government's small business policies.
Among the Department's key objectives in relation to small business are to:
- provide policy advice and support to portfolio Ministers on small business issues;
- ensure effective delivery of small business programs for which it has policy responsibility;
- build and maintain effective links with small businesses and their representative organisations; and
- foster an understanding of the critical factors influencing the start up and growth of small firms and the small business sector generally.
Further information relating to small business is also available from the Programs and Services link under 'Shortcuts' in the menu to the left, and the Consultative forums for Small Business link below. In addition, please explore the links located to the right of this page. A good place to start is the business.gov.au website.
Guidelines
The Department publishes a range of guidelines for industry and business that relate to departmental programs and activities.
Information products
Documents produced for the purpose of providing information on a range of topics relating to small business.
Policies
The Department has a role in developing and reviewing policies that affect industry. Information about a range of policies and consultative processes is available.
Reports
The Department publishes a range of reports, reviews and other documents relating to individual programs and activities across the portfolio.
General information
Independent Contractors
This page provides information for independent contractors and the businesses that engage their services.
Guidelines
Help for Small Business on Legal Issues
The Legal Issues Guide for Small Business provides information about legal issues affecting small business, sources of assistance, and preventative measures.
Information products
Dispute Resolution - Case studies
Case studies covering a variety of common disputes faced by small business.
Look before you lease: Avoiding the pitfalls in retail leasing
This booklet gives warnings and checklists to help people decide how and when to ask for expert help when signing a new lease for a business location.
Privacy for Small Business
Information about privacy legislation in relation to reform in the small business sector.
Small Business Legal Issues Guide
Legal Issues Guide for Small Business assists managers and their advisers determine key legal problems, the range of options, and sources of information and assistance.
Successful Dispute Resolution - Introduction
This kit, entitled Resolving Small Business Disputes: Six Steps to Successful Dispute Resolution, aims to help small business in resolving disputes.
Working with Contracts - practical assistance to small business managers
A guide for small business on working with contracts.
Policies
Franchising Code of Conduct
Background information and links to the Franchising Code of Conduct.
More Time for Business (March 1997)
The 1997 small business statement, More Time for Business, introduced initiatives to reduce the paperwork and compliance burden for small business.
Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry Code of Conduct
This page contains the Code of Conduct for the Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry that commenced on 1 September 2006.
Retail Tenancy
On 27 August 2008, the Commonwealth Government responded to the Productivity Commission Inquiry: The Market for Retail Tenancy Leases in Australia.
Reports
Research into Local Government Administrative Burden
The Department commissioned TNS Social Research to conduct a survey of local government administrative burden on small business.