The Hon Lance McCallum MP, Minister for Employment, Small Business and Training delivered a budget-focused online presentation on Monday, 1 July 2024 as a guest of Business Chamber Queensland.
The ministerial conversation was facilitated by their CEO, Heidi Cooper, with over 230 registered businesses watching.
The Minister addressed several key budget aspects, including the small business rebate, opportunities related to the Olympics, ecoBiz Queensland, and the Rural and Remote Pilot program, which offers face-to-face training for individuals in regional communities.
Small Business
For small businesses, particularly those facing economic headwinds, there is an electricity bill business rebate of $325. This is an addition to the $325 the Australian Government provides through their Energy Bill Relief Fund 2024-25 extension.
Small businesses who utilise motor vehicles will receive support with a 20 per cent reduction in the registration fee and traffic improvement fee components of motor vehicle registration for all light vehicles, including motorcycles and trailers, for 12 months.
Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Minister highlighted opportunities for both the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games provided through the Government Procurement Strategy. There will be an estimated $200 billion in Queensland Government procurement opportunities leading up to 2032. The investment will be directed through numerous supply chains including construction, hospitality and logistics.
ecoBiz Queensland
ecoBiz is a free sustainability program, in partnership with the Queensland Government, to help businesses audit their resource use, manage carbon emissions and save on costs while reducing consumption of waste, water and energy.
Through personalised coaching, training, resources and tools, ecoBiz helps businesses, at no cost, reduce their consumption of water, waste and energy, manage carbon emissions and improve resource efficiency and sustainability.
Rural and Remote Pilot
The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training are trialling a 12-month Rural and Remote Pilot in Central and North Queensland to increase high-quality, face-to-face training options for Queenslanders living in these communities.
The Pilot supports employers to grow and upskill their workforce through locally delivered training and assessment in priority qualifications.
Business Chamber Queensland
This year marks 156 years (est. 1868) of Business Chamber Queensland and their Pulse Survey of business conditions for the March 2024 quarter, marks three decades of the survey’s history in Queensland.
Photo Credit: Lance McCallum MP (via LinkedIn)