The South Australian construction and trade industries are increasingly dominated by large corporations, which often leave sole traders and small businesses struggling to survive. While these large companies benefit from economies of scale, vast resources, and extensive networks, they frequently undercut smaller businesses, driving down wages and creating unfair competition. This has led to a significant decline in the working conditions for tradespeople in South Australia, with many facing fluctuating schedules, last-minute changes to projects, and a lack of control over their work-life balance.

For small businesses and sole traders in South Australia’s trade industry, the situation is even more dire. Despite their vital role in the local economy, these businesses are often excluded from larger contracts or forced to accept unfair terms to remain competitive. As a result, they struggle with lower profit margins, and workers in these businesses often find themselves working longer hours for less pay, contributing to higher stress levels and poorer mental health outcomes.

The current market dynamics harm South Australia’s broader economy. When large corporations dominate the sector, the wealth generated from these projects tends to leave local communities, as these companies often rely on imported labour and materials. In contrast, supporting small businesses and sole traders would keep wealth within South Australia, boosting local job creation, community development, and economic growth.

Supporting small businesses in South Australia's trade and construction sectors isn’t just an economic necessity—it’s a moral imperative. Ensuring that sole traders and small businesses have access to fair work opportunities would not only level the playing field but also foster a healthier, more competitive marketplace. This petition calls for a policy that mandates at least 45% of all major housing development contracts in South Australia be allocated to sole traders and small businesses, providing them with the opportunity to thrive, ensuring fair wages, and fostering a better working environment for all involved.

The time for change is now. We urge the South Australian government and policymakers to act to create a fairer, more sustainable future for South Australian tradies and small businesses.

We, the undersigned, call on the South Australian Government to implement a policy that ensures at least 45% of all contracted works in new housing developments are allocated to sole traders and small businesses in the trade industry.

By supporting South Australian small businesses and sole traders, we can create fairer work environments, improve wages and working conditions, and help boost the local economy. This policy will ensure that tradies have access to more opportunities, contributing to a healthier and more competitive marketplace.

We urge policymakers to act now to level the playing field and provide a sustainable future for South Australia’s small businesses in the construction and trade sectors.