In relation to small business:

1 . What surveys have been undertaken by any Government agency or with Government funding in the ACT of (a) home-based and (b) small businesses.

2. Have reports of the surveys, if any, been evaluated and released.

3. What steps has the Government taken to review, and where necessary, improve access by home-based and small business to ACT business development schemes.

4. What data has been published on the use of such schemes by home-based and small business.

5. What reports on the use and effectiveness of such schemes have been released by the Government.

6. Has the ACT Government made any assessment of the effect of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and related new tax scheme changes on home-based and small business.

7. What were the findings of that assessment.

8. What was the cost to such businesses of the implementation of the GST and related measures.

9. Where were the findings published.

10. What incentive does the Government offer to home-based and small businesses to establish operations in the ACT.

1. The ACT Government has jointly with the Commonwealth Government supported two surveys of home based and small businesses over the last 18 months:

> Canberra Region Enterprise and Employment Development Association (CREEDA) (December 1999) Backyarders and Frontrunners: Home-based business in two Australian Regions

> Canberra Region Enterprise and Employment Development Association (CREEDA) (2001)-The Capital Region Micro and Home-Based Business Program-CREEDA is currently undertaking this program that builds on the work of the 1999 report. The aim of the study is to develop a proven methodology for identifying, accessing and supporting high-growth micro businesses to accelerate growth.

2. The 1999 CREEDA Report is available on the Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business (DEWRSB) website www.dewrsb.gov.au/smallBusiness/Publications

3. The ACT Government funds a range of programs and seminars that support small and home based business. These support services are constantly reviewed at an operational level to ensure they remain relevant to ACT businesses. These services include: