Government moves to 'digitise small business'

In a statement released yesterday, Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison said the taskforce aims to engage with small business owners across Australia about the benefits of digital technologies in boosting efficiency for their practices.

The taskforce will conduct a series of meetings and workshops with businesses over the coming months to explore impediments for business in engaging with digital technologies and how these impediments might be addressed.

“Small business is at the heart of the Australian economy – 3.2 million small businesses employ around 50 per cent of Australia’s workforce, or around 5.6 million Australians. But many are not taking advantage of the opportunities that the digital economy offers,” said Mr Morrison.

Mr Morrison pointed to research from big four firm Deloitte, which found small businesses with advanced levels of digital engagement are 1.5 times more likely to be growing revenue, 8 times more likely to be creating jobs and 14 times more likely to be innovating.