New rules to protect small businesses

Small businesses will find it easier to get out of unfair contracts foisted on them by big companies under new rules.

The Abbott government is giving small businesses the same unfair contract protections consumers have.

Small Business Minister Bruce Billson says the changes will mean no more take-it-or-leave-it contracts pushed by bigger, more powerful companies.

The protections are crucial to protect small businesses against those seeking to strengthen their own position unfairly, he says.

"It's very important that we have a level playing field for big business and small business to operate on," Prime Minister Tony Abbott told reporters in Melbourne on Friday.

Mr Billson has asked his state and territory counterparts to agree to the changes, and hopes to hear back within a month.

The federal government has given the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission $1.4 million to enforce the new rules.