GST Signpost Officers

A team of 43 GST Signpost Officers working in rural and remote areas with small businesses and community organisations across Australia supported this programme. These Signpost Officers made an important contribution to the smooth introduction of the GST in regional Australia being a vital link between the community, and the Government's GST Start-Up Assistance Programme.

GST Signpost Officers helped local businesses fully benefit from the wide range of GST-related assistance and advice on offer from the Government by pointing businesses to the right source of advice or assistance on GST issues. They ensured that local businesses access the most appropriate source of assistance and advice on GST issues, whether it be business skills education, seminars, booklets, tax rulings or direct assistance, including how to obtain the $200 certificate and access to the substantial discounts on GST related products and services.

From 1 March 2001 to 29 June 2001, the Signpost Officers programme was administered by the Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Businss (DEWRSB).

On 7 June 2001, the Government announced that it will pilot a $6 million Small Business Assistance Officer (SBAO) project that will utilise and expand on the role and infrastructure of the GST Signpost Officer service.