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 ACCC’s Compliance and Enforcement Policy for 2025–26, 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.

    View Submission Paper

  • Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2023–24

    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.

    View Media Release

  • 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.

    View Submission Paper

  • 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.

    View Submission Paper

  • 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.

    View Submission Paper

  • Review of the implementation of the 1 July 2022 changes to the Commonwealth Procurement Rules

    ESBWA calls on the government to take steps to further improve procurement processes to better support female-led SMEs.

    View Submission Paper

Media Enquiries

In the Media

In the Media
The Project – The government’s plan to scrap card surcharges

ESBWA Founder & CEO Amanda Rose appeared on The Project to discuss the government’s proposal to eliminate card surcharges and its potential impact on small businesses.

She emphasised that transaction costs will still need to be covered, and placing this additional burden on small businesses could lead many into financial hardship. The government should consider incentivising cash payments, particularly for smaller transactions, as a measure that would benefit both small businesses and consumers.

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SmartCompany – The copycat craze is putting small artists and designers out of business

More artists and designers than ever are being pushed to the brink by ruthless operators. While small businesses bear all the risk of bringing their ideas to fruition, doing the hard work of marketing and selling them, opportunistic retailers are all too happy to snatch the profits out of their hands.

We need to protect Australian small business owners or they will eventually die off.

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The Canberra Times – Australia's small business owners need more support

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.

Read More →