The ongoing dispute between ASIO and a number of small building firms to the tune of $6m is further evidence of the need for a Federal Small Business Commissioner with real authority.

Australian Greens Small Business spokesperson Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said the dispute focussing on ASIO’s new Canberra offices was a prime example of the institutional imbalance many small businesses faced when dealing with government departments.

Australian Greens Introduce Bill to Give Federal Small Business Commissioner Some Teeth

The Australian Greens will today seek to formalise the role of the Federal Small Business Commissioner in legislation with a private member’s bill to be introduced to the Senate.

Greens small business spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson stated the Party was committed to seeing the role given some ‘real teeth’ in order for it to operate effectively.

The Australian Greens today announced their intention to formalise the role of the Federal Small Business Commissioner in legislation with a private member’s bill to be introduced into the Senate in late February.

Greens small business spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson stated the Party was committed to seeing the role given some ‘real teeth’ in order for it to operate effectively.

Claims that beverage companies are profiteering from container deposit schemes in South Australia and the Northern Territory will be the subject of a Senate inquiry.

Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson and Independent senator Nick Xenophon combined in the Senate on Thursday to push for an inquiry into the pricing and revenue allocation practices of the beverage industry.

Tasmanian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson has welcomed the establishment of a Senate inquiry into allegations of profiteering by large beverage producers, Coca Cola, Lion and Schweppes from the South Australia and Northern Territory’s container deposit, ‘cash for containers,’ schemes.

“This is the result of a concerted effort from around 22 community organisations with significant parliamentary support,” Senator Whish-Wilson stated.