Today Weekend – All this spending but nothing for small businesses

We spend a lot of time debating how much governments spend, but not nearly enough time questioning who actually benefits from that spending.

Small businesses make up the bulk of our economy, yet too often they're locked out of government procurement opportunities.

We need proper mechanisms that ensure small businesses have genuine access to government procurement channels, not just policies that look good on paper.

And when it comes to major government contracts, there should be clear criteria requiring large contractors to include small businesses in their supply chains.

If taxpayers are funding these projects, Australian small businesses should have a fair opportunity to benefit from them.

Government spending should do more than deliver projects. It should create opportunities, support local businesses and strengthen our economy.