Advocacy
Submissions
ESBWA reviews existing and proposed legislation and makes recommendations about laws and government policies that affect entrepreneurs and SMEs, with a view to ensure that women-led businesses are represented and considered in decision making.
We invite our members and community to submit their feedback to the submissions listed via our contact page.
ACCC's review on compliance and enforcement priorities
In preparation for the ACCCâs Compliance and Enforcement Policy for 2025â26, ESBWA surveyed its members to identify their key concerns. The findings reveal that rising costs of goods and services, along with unfair contract terms, are top priorities.
Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2023â24
Small businesses are a vital component of the Australian economy, responsible for hiring five million people or over 42 per cent of the private sector workforce. As such, existing pressures, as well as the economic health of small businesses need to be considered when reviewing changes to wages.
Inquiry on procurement practices of government agencies in New South Wales and its impact on the social development of the people of New South Wales
Addressing the terms of reference that are key issues affecting female-owned small businesses, our submission highlights several recommendations to improve outcomes in the New South Wales procurement process.
Consultation on unfair trading practices
Small and medium business owners need to be considered when reviewing unfair trading practices and possible reforms to the Australian Consumer Law.
Inquiry into the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023
Any attempt to change the definition of an independent contractor to ensure more workers are treated like employees could negatively impact the 1.1 million people who are currently working as independent contractors as well as the small businesses that contract to them.
Review of the implementation of the 1 July 2022 changes to the Commonwealth Procurement RulesÂ
ESBWAÂ calls on the government to take steps to further improve procurement processes to better support female-led SMEs.
In the Media
Australia's small business owners need more support
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Many of Australia's small business owners are currently locked in a battle with their mental health.
An article written by ESBWA CEO Amanda Rose, published in The Canberra Times, brought to light the silent struggles of small business owners.
- Small business owners arenât immune to the anxieties of the current economic climate.
- Misconceptions about the stability or financial status of small business owners fail to recognise the hard work behind the success.
- The risk and sacrifice required to run a small business is often downplayed.
In these challenging times, small business owners need their community to back them. They also need a supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs - a tribe of like-minded individuals who understand the unique struggles they face.
It's high time we shed light on the silent struggles of Australian small business owners and give them the support they deserve. We must recognise their immense contributions to our economy, applaud their resilience, and extend a helping hand.
Could the four-day work week do more harm than good for Australian small businesses?
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ESBWA CEO, Amanda Rose, in her opinion piece on SmartCompany, highlighted the concerns of small business owners and called on decision-makers to carefully consider the full implications that such a work model could bring.
- Smaller businesses may struggle to sustain their operations under this system, potentially leading to reduced productivity, delayed outcomes, and financial strain.
- If larger enterprises offer a shorter work week for the same pay and benefits, attracting skilled workers to small businesses would become increasingly challenging.
- Increased burden will be placed on small business owners who are already working long hours under immense pressure
Policymakers, business leaders, and employees must engage in thoughtful dialogue to identify solutions that can preserve the vitality of small businesses while promoting a healthy work-life balance for all employees. Most importantly, the concerns of small businesses must be addressed in order to preserve their valuable contributions to the economy and community.
'We're not starting at zero. Women start at minus 1000'
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ESBWA CEO, Amanda Rose, has been featured in The Australian Financial Review, commenting on the 10-year plan developed by the Business Council of Australia for female entrepreneurs to get access to government-backed venture capital.
After a decade of advocating for extra support for female small business founders Amanda is âthrilled someone is finally listeningâ.
âItâs not an equal playing field here, Women are out there hustling, but weâre not starting at zero. Women start at minus 1000 and then when they succeed, people forget that she came from behind because people didnât take her seriously.â
âFailure happens across the board, but with women, there is a perception that âyou donât have the resilience or you donât have the idea or youâre not going to put in the effortâ.â
ESBWAÂ supports the plan and recognises that new procurement policies for government and businesses are needed to boost purchasing from female-led start-ups.