Minister Appoints May Constructions’ GM to Small Buisiness Council

Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher today announced the composition of the Victorian Coalition Government's new Small Business Ministerial Council, which met for the first time today.

Ms Asher said the Council would provide advice on a broad range of issues affecting small business.

"The Small Business Ministerial Council will provide direct input into Coalition Government policy and play an important role in building a stronger Victoria," Ms Asher said.

"We believe that small business operators who take risks and invest in growth deserve recognition for their efforts."

Members of the Small Business Ministerial Council are from a range of small business industry sectors in both metropolitan and regional Victoria. There are more than 495,000 active small businesses in Victoria, contributing approximately 30per cent of the state's production. They provide 1.2 million or nearly half of the state's private sector jobs.

Ms Asher said the Council, chaired by 3AW Promotions and Marketing Manager Mr David Mann, would comprise 20 members including Ms Colleen May, General Manager of May Constructions Pty Ltd and Victorian Immediate Past President of the Housing Industry Association.

Colleen previously served a three-year term on the Small Business Advisory Council appointed by the Brumby Government and was appointed by Minister Helper as Ambassador for Victoria's Small Business Festival "Energise Enterprise" in 2010.