Good morning, everyone.
I’d like to like to start by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet today; the Whadjuk People of the Noongar Nation.
I extend my respect to their elders past and present. I also acknowledge any First Nations people joining us here today.
A massive thank you to the City of Wanneroo – especially to Mayor Linda Aitken and CEO Bill Parker – for hosting today’s event.
I can see a lot of our state members of parliament here, and you’ll be hearing from some fascinating speakers this morning, including the President of your Wanneroo Business Association, Andy Kahle.
This beautiful, growing part of Western Australia really has a lot going for it.
In fact, the vision in one of your business strategies centres on the winning formula of ‘beach, bush and beyond’.
What I really like about that is that ‘beyond’ is another way of saying ‘opportunity’.
And it’s great to see so many people here today taking up all the wonderful opportunities small businesses offer.
You’re joining a national community of around 2.7 million small businesses that operate across the country, from local cafés and shops to tradies, farmers and professional services.
I’d like to welcome the established businesses are here with us today, ready to network with you all. Thank you for being generous with your time and for sharing your experiences and hard‑earned insights.
As Minister for Small Business, I’ve been fortunate to have spoken to hundreds of small business owners, and every conversation has re‑affirmed what we all already know – small business owners are passionate, hardworking and community‑minded.
So you’re in good company and I congratulate every one of you for taking a risk, for backing yourself and for turning opportunity into a business.
Over the years I have run my own successful small businesses but for every idea I did run with, I had about 50 that I didn’t.
I understand what it’s like to have a business idea constantly consuming your thoughts.
Some of those ideas never get off the ground, such as my idea about bringing fakhfakhina – an Egyptian freshly squeezed, layered juice – to Australia. This was way before Boost juice kicked off too.
Then there was my fashion label featuring clothes with no zippers or buttons, called ‘No hardware’.
I thought long and hard about argan oil products, camel milk chocolate, the list goes on.
I’m glad you have taken a chance and turned your idea and dreams into a reality.
It’s not easy, but it is exciting.
I get how great it is to be your own boss, to step out and be the master of your own destiny.
There’s a lot to learn of course, but that’s why support networks matter so much – there’s a lot to gain from having a solid network of experienced small business operators to learn from and lean on.
I wholeheartedly urge you to take advantage of this wonderful event today.
Exchange numbers, emails, insta handles, Linkedin profiles or whatever you use to communicate.
These connections will be able to help you make the most of your opportunity.
You have certainly each gotten off to a great start simply by starting your businesses here in the City of Wanneroo – one of the fastest‑growing areas in WA.
Wanneroo is welcoming, innovative and culturally diverse.
This diversity is reflected in the huge range of businesses choosing to set up and grow in the Wanneroo area.
And the Albanese government is focused on helping with the day‑to‑day of running your business.
That’s reflected in the over $3.5 billion in new measures, announced last month, to deliver tax relief for businesses.
This includes making the $20,000 instant asset write‑off permanent – helping with cashflow.
We’re also backing start‑ups by introducing tax loss refundability for those critical early years, allowing you to invest and get your business running early on.
And we’re expanding venture capital tax incentives to unlock patient investment in start‑ups to help innovative Australian firms grow.
This will give more opportunities to access non‑traditional capital funding in larger amounts over a longer period.
It will give more breathing room and the resilience to ride out early‑stage volatility.
And because we’ve listened to small businesses, we’re slashing red tape, cutting around $10 billion a year in regulatory burdens.
And we’re continuing to work with states and territories towards further harmonisation on things like payroll tax administration and retail tenancies.
We’re also helping small businesses use digital tools – including AI – to work smarter.
To lift efficiency. To cut costs. To reach new markets.
From next month the Digital Solutions Program will roll out with a new focus on AI and emerging technologies.
I urge you to sign up, because you can access one‑on‑one coaching with expert advisers, alongside free workshops, webinars and online resources.
Its practical support tailored to you.
Because while each of you is a small business, each of your small businesses is different.
Thanks again for having me here today.
It is wonderful to welcome so many new businesses into the City of Wanneroo, bringing your ideas to life, and making your dreams your reality.
I wish you every success as you go into ‘beach, bush and beyond’.
Thank you.
