The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has welcomed changes to the Commonwealth Procurement Rules which will provide more opportunities for small and medium sized businesses to apply for government contracts.

The changes mean that 20% of Commonwealth procurements by value must be sourced by SMBs – a doubling of the previous target of 10%.

“This will deliver a much-needed boost for Australia’s small and medium sized businesses, especially now in the current environment, where many are battling inflationary pressures and rising costs from multiple angles,” ARA CEO Paul Zahra said.

“We need to ensure SMBs are given the opportunities to grow and expand, and with greater access to government contracts, they can do exactly that.

“Small businesses are under intense pressure at the moment with rents going up, along with fuel and energy costs, as well as changes to wages and superannuation.

“Announcements like this are warmly welcomed by retailers, and we look forward to ongoing collaboration the Commonwealth on other initiatives to support small business growth.”

Media Enquiries:

Dominic Cuschieri

M 0418 224 072

E dominic.cuschieri@retail.org.au  

About us: The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body, representing a $360bn sector which employs 1.3 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 100,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community. To learn more about ARA’s exclusive member benefits and more, visit retail.org.au