Minister for Small Business, Tom Koutsantonis, has called on the Liberal Party to back legislation to create a Small Business Commissioner in South Australia.

Mr Koutsantonis, said the business laws in South Australia and has wide-spread industry support.

“The Liberal Party claims to be the Party for Small Business, but they have yet to make their intentions clear on this legislation,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

“They purport to be a party for small business and they now have a choice, they can back up their rhetoric and support this Bill, as the industry has, or they can signal here and now that they are a party for big business."

“The Liberal Party might not have any policies of its own but they can show some bipartisan sensibility and help deliver this legislation to a sector that wants it."

“There are more than 136,000 registered small business operators in South Australia and they need and want an advocate who can provide owners with the support they need and deserve when resolving disputes.”

The legislation has already received widespread backing from industry groups including national praise with the Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA).

“We have also received wide-spread support from local industry, with key representative groups providing excellent feedback during the consultation process,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

“Business SA, the South Australian Farmer’s Federation, the Business Development Council, Motor Traders Association the Regional Communities Consultative Committee as well as various industry associations, franchisees and other business groups provided input."

“The establishment of a Small Business Commissioner will build positive relationships between all parties, allowing the smaller businesses to have a non-litigation approach which will be timely, low cost and improve fairness.”

The Government will be appointing the new Commissioner at the earliest opportunity following the passage of the legislation through Parliament.