Part One: Foreword
The Small Business Advisory Group (SBAG) has brought about real change in the way government thinks about, and interacts with, small business by bringing a practical hands-on perspective to the processes of government.
Since its establishment two years ago, SBAG has delivered, directly to Ministers and to officials, forthright, unambiguous and sound advice on government policies and programmes that affect small businesses.
In the main, these messages have been delivered out of the public eye. However, in August 2004 SBAG published its first annual report. That report set out 19 recommendations for changes that would, in SBAG's view, improve the business environment for SMEs.
As the newly appointed Minister for Small Business, it falls to me to present now the government's response to those recommendations. I do so with pleasure, as our response shows that a number of the SBAG recommendations have been implemented already by the government and that most of the others are being worked on vigorously.
I look forward to continuing the dialogue between SBAG and Ministers in the year ahead.
Hon Lianne Dalziel
Minister for Small Business
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