Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey, Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington and TASTE South Burnett's Shannon Scott

September 17, 2012

Kingaroy businessman Shannon Scott is having a say on how government interacts with small business.

The owner of TASTE South Burnett has been appointed to the Queensland Small Business Advisory Council (QSBAC).

The newly-formed group met for the first time on September 6 to discuss its direction and the issues facing the State’s small business sector.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey chaired the meeting and said it was an opportunity to provide a clear course of direction to the QSBAC’s new members, who represent key industry peak bodies and small business operators.

“Today’s meeting was about setting the agenda for how we are going to tackle the issues facing our small businesses over the next 12 months,” Ms Stuckey said.

“There are almost 412,000 small businesses in Queensland. They employ around half of all private sector workers, and the QSBAC will ensure government is aware of any issues that may impact on the way small businesses operate.”

Mr Scott, who is also vice-president of the South Burnett Wine Industry Association, vice-president of the South Burnett Tourism Association and a former Board member of the Toowoomba Golden West South Burnett regional tourism organisation, said the group would meet quarterly.

The other members also come from a diverse range of backgrounds. They are:

  • Tony Axford, Business Enterprise Centre Ipswich Region Business Manager
  • Nick Behrens, General Manager – Advocacy, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland
  • Jemima Dunn, Manager of Policy and Public Affairs, Australian Industry Group Queensland
  • Margot Richardson, SME Committee Chair, CPA Australia (Qld)
  • Ralph Edwards, State President, Franchise Council of Australia Queensland Division, and
  • Cheryl Springer, business owner and President of the Pine Rivers Chamber of Commerce.

“I see it as an important role for this region – and regions in general – to talk to government about tourism and small business,” Mr Scott said.

Ms Stuckey said the State Government recognised the vital role small businesses play in generating economic activity and employment across the state.

“We want our business sector to grow and flourish, and the QSBAC will ensure the concerns of small business are brought to our attention,” she said.

The advisory council members have been appointed for one year.