Small Business Helpline receives 100,000 calls

Canberra 15 July 2014: Minister for Employment, Senator Eric Abetz, said the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Small Business helpline, a Coalition Government election commitment, has received more than 100,000 calls since it was established in December last year.

The priority service was created to provide reliable information to small business.

“More than 100,000 people have received quick and accurate advice as a result of this helpline,” Senator Abetz said.

Minister for Small Business, Bruce Billson, said the helpline was established to help small business people improve their knowledge and operate in line with relevant laws so they feel confident to grow, invest and create jobs.

“In Australia we have more than two million employing small businesses and it’s great to see so many enterprising people using the helpline to seek fast expert advice,” Mr Billson said.

Small business operators mainly called for assistance and information on wages, modern awards and conditions of employment under the Fair Work Act, the majority of callers were from the hairdressing, beauty, hospitality, trade and construction sectors.

Senator Abetz said small business operators can rely on advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman without fear of prosecution should the information be incorrect.

“This means that small business people can now have the confidence to call and get the right advice,” Senator Abetz said.

In addition to the Small Business Helpline, the Fair Work Ombudsman has also developed a Hiring New Employees Guide and given an assurance that small business people can rely on their advice.

Senator Abetz said the abolition of the carbon tax - a $9 billion handbrake on the economy – would also benefit small business.

Small business operators can call the dedicated Small Business Helpline on 13 13 94.