Australian Newsagents' Federation chief executive Alf Maccioni has urged both major parties to commit to introducing measures to provide support to small business.

"Small business makes a significant contribution to the Australian economy and community", said Mr Maccioni, "we are inviting the major parties to recognise that contribution."

Community newsagents are asking that the portfolio of the small business minister be elevated into federal Cabinet.

"Given the importance of small business to Australian communities, we believe that the responsible minister should have a voice in cabinet", said Mr Maccioni.

"Small business employs at least five million people Australia wide - it's crucial that their concerns and those of their staff are taken into consideration when formulating policy which will affect their viability."

"We would also like to see the introduction of a federal commissioner for small business", said Mr Maccioni.

"A small business commission could incorporate the function of an ombudsman to deal with complaints of unfair or oppressive conduct, deal with retail tenancy issues through a code of conduct and mandatory tenancy register as well as providing a range of other services, such as alternative dispute resolution and counselling for small businesses in crisis".

"Most importantly, a small business commission could provide a channel through which small businesses could communicate effectively with government."

According to a statement released today by the Australian Newsagents' Federation, small businesses face problems which are distinct from those faced by large corporations. Many junior companies deal with narrow or fixed profit margins, high overheads, limited funds and therefore restricted access to legal services. At the same time, small businesses may find their survival threatened by inflexible or unreasonable demands by landlords, suppliers or other large corporations as well as increasing levels of compliance.

"It's important that governments and parties on both sides of the House are aware of the particular issues which small businesses deal with", said Mr Maccioni.

"There is a pressing need for measures which might redress the imbalance of power between big business and small business, and reduce the high failure rates of small business in Australia. The establishment of a small business commission, together with the inclusion of the small business minister in federal cabinet, are both important first steps towards addressing these issues."