Supporting Local Businesses

First published in the Logan Reporter on 17 July 2015

Like many of you, I greatly appreciate the important role of small businesses in our community as an employer, a producer and as an engine for local prosperity.

That’s why I’m so pleased to be supporting the Logan Chamber of Commerce and co-sponsoring the 2015 Business Distinction Awards being held this Friday at the Logan Rec Club.

I’m very proud to represent an area which is home to 10,746 small businesses, across a wide range of industries. The largest number is involved in construction, but this is closely followed by transport and warehousing, scientific and technical, and real estate.

It’s a brave and often risky decision to go out on your own to start a small business.

But if we want a country that’s powered by aspiration and enterprise, then we’ve got to do everything we can to support emerging small businesses.

That’s why Labor supported in Parliament a major small business package, and also announced plans to go further to reduce the tax burden they face.

It’s also why I’m pleased to be sponsoring the emerging business category, and presenting the environmental sustainability category, of the 2015 Business Distinction Awards.

There have been some very worthy nominees, and I wish all the entrants – and all the small businesses in our community – a prosperous and successful financial year ahead.

#local #smallbusiness