Federal Minister Kelly O’Dwyer attends small business forum in Hurstville

Banks MP David Coleman, who organised the event at Club Central, said several business owners raised issues relating to government regulations.

Their concerns had included the cost impact of regulations, as well as “the seemingly unnecessary duplication of regulations and charges across the different levels of government”

Mr Coleman said other matters discussed included local infrastructure, planning rules and the availability of parking.

Bernard Kachoyan, of Penshurst florist, Stems with Style, said it was pleasing to have a minister “taking the time to talk to us”.

“I think she was genuine and took our concerns on board, but whether the government is actually going to pursue them I am not sure,” he said.

Mr Kachoyan, who described himself as “the support network” for his florist wife, Liane Madden, said he raised the cost of EFTPOS transactions.

“If customers pay by credit card, we pay 1.5 per cent to the bank, which we have to absorb,” he said.

“We are also paying a monthly fee for the machine.

“I can’t see how the banks can justify the cost once a card is set up.”

Mr Kachoyan said their business had grown a lot since it started five to six years ago.

“We are doing OK and have won a couple of awards,” he said.

“This year is a bit variable – the economy was better a couple of years ago.”

Mr Kachoyan said Ms O’Dwyer promoted the cuts to the company tax rate, but this meant nothing to their business, which was a sole trader.

Ms O’Dwyer said small businesses employed 6.5 million Australians, and forums such as this were a great opportunity to talk to owners about issues they were facing.

She encouraged business owners to make use of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, which provided dispute resolution outside of the court system.

Mr Coleman said the government’s role was “to put the right foundations in place to give small businesses every opportunity for success”.