Small Businesses

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-121826

Hansard session: Fifty-Seventh Parliament, First Session (57-1)

Small Businesses

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (14:55:26):

In my last private members' statement of the year, I will discuss Small Business Month to emphasise the importance of small businesses and what the Government is doing to support them right across New South Wales. My local community boasts an array of successful small, medium and large businesses that contribute to a healthy local economy. I understand the concerns that owners have and the pressures that they are under. I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting the business sector across my electorate during October and sharing stories with many passionate owners. In the St George area we are blessed with a diversity of small businesses. From mechanics to wholesalers to cafes and restaurants, our local area has a wide selection of options to reflect the diverse needs of our community.

This is important as it allows members of the community to shop locally and keep their money in the local economy. Whether it be Spago at Beverly Hills, Jumbuck Meats at Oatley, Little Alley cafe at Narwee, the Lugarno shops and newsagent, or my favourite, Mortdale Wholesalers, our local area is blessed with exceptional service and dedicated business owners. These kinds of businesses drive our local economy. Small businesses employ almost two million people across New South Wales and, as former Prime Minister John Howard once said, they are the engine room of Australia. I am proud to say that this Government has never forgotten the importance of small businesses right across New South Wales. Our support for them is reflected in the strong economic figures. Small businesses also play a large part in developing that character and atmosphere in local areas. Beautiful destinations such as Edmonds and Greer in Oatley and Jaaks in Kyle Bay provide places for residents to relax and enjoy the beauty of our local community.

It is important for areas like ours to support small businesses to retain our character, atmosphere and natural setting. Often the work of small business owners and employees goes unnoticed. They are the unsung heroes of our local communities, and this makes Small Business Month all the more worthwhile. October is a chance for all of us to support small businesses and thank them for the positive impact that they have on our local society. The Government truly recognises the importance of small businesses right across New South Wales from the beach to the bush, is committed to encouraging innovation and supporting small businesses at all stages of growth, and knows that supporting small businesses creates jobs and stimulates the local economy.

The Government is investing in the skills New South Wales needs to grow. The establishment of the Disability Sector Scale-Up program is improving the commercial viability of small, medium and large enterprises in the disability sector. We are also committed to supporting regional businesses and communities. The $110 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund is attracting more business to regional areas and helping to offset job shortages created by the drought. To couple with this, Regional Development Australia is in partnership with the Federal Government to develop further regional projects.

We also recognise the importance of investment and therefore the Government is furthering tax relief to encourage businesses to put more money into the economy. That includes payroll tax schemes, small business employment initiatives and further small business grants. As well as encouraging investment, innovation and skills development, the Government is committed to streamlining the process of running small businesses for owners. Business Connect, which advises business owners, has received positive feedback, and the Service NSW Easy to do Business program has been instrumental in creating a streamlined and easy process for its customers. During future small business months—or, in fact, any month at all—I encourage every member in this Chamber, as well as those who are listening in online, to join the Government in supporting local businesses. I also thank small business owners and employees across New South Wales for the contribution they make to our local communities.