Small businesses in Light and across South Australia have a strong friend in the Industry Advocate.

The Industry Advocate Bill will provide the Industry Advocate with more power to recommend reforms to the state government to assist small business in winning Government contacts or sub-contracts.Local Member of Parliament, Tony Piccolo spoke in support of the Bill saying that the Bill gives the power to the Industry Advocate to investigate why competitive South Australian suppliers miss out on government contracts.“The bill makes it very clear that this government is committed to putting small business at the centre of our State’s economic policy,” Mr Piccolo said.“The new laws are designed to encourage the adoption of industry participation principles by local government.” “I think that is a very important function because one of the complaints I received from a local small business in my area is that some small businesses that win state government contracts, unfortunately do not even get invited to participate in the process for tenders for local government contracts. “The small businesses I am talking about are not saying they should be given the contract automatically. “They are saying that they would like to know when the local councils have contracts out and be invited to participate in the tender process.” “It is as simple as that, yet it does not happen.” “This policy, which is now a state government policy, encourages local government to do just that.” “It would be great to see local councils do what we are doing at a state level.” “That does not mean all local businesses will win that work, but at least it puts them in the running and, given their local knowledge, they may have a lower cost structure because they are local. They may be able to compete effectively for this business, which is very important. “Small businesses in South Australia are the backbone of our economy and we need to ensure they remain competitive and be given an opportunity to compete on the open Market,” he said.

Mr Piccolo said he would be writing to all the Councils in his electorate to advise them of the new policy and seek their feedback.