The confidence of country communities and encouragement to think local and shop local were front and centre as Small Business Minister Michael McCormack and Parkes MP Mark Coulton toured Dubbo small businesses this afternoon.
In western NSW as part of his nationwide small business roadshow, Mr McCormack praised the city’s upbeat attitude and said it was central to building vibrant country communities.
“Coming from the country myself and having run a country small business, I understand how confidence is crucial in employing people and the expansion of a business,” Mr McCormack said.
“We’ve seen statistics of small business confidence up across Australia – and that is very clear here in Dubbo. Locals understand the need to shop local and that is something we must keep doing to keep Dubbo’s small businesses creating, retaining and ensuring better-paid jobs.”
Mr McCormack is the first country MP to be Small Business Minister and says he wants to keep confidence up.
“I want to back small business with tax cuts. The small business tax rate is already at its lowest level in 50 years, but it should be lower. I also want to see more businesses access up to $20,000 to purchase equipment to grow and enhance their business,” Mr McCormack said.
“That’s why Mark Coulton and I are fighting so hard with to get our plan for tax cuts through Parliament – to unlock the potential of more businesses in towns and communities across Australia.”
Parkes MP Mark Coulton said there were many local small business success stories to showcase.
“Maverick Biosciences, which specialises in the bio-tech industry, is innovation in action and is bringing jobs and investment to Dubbo. It is something of which we are very proud,” Mr Coulton said.
“I also took the Minister to meetings of a local financial group and some of our wonderful cafes, as well as the Chamber of Commerce, to get the picture of how vibrant and vast small businesses are in western NSW.
“Our plan to cut taxes for small business and see them have a go is much needed, and I will continue to work with Michael McCormack to ensure country small businesses stay top of the Government’s agenda.”
Mr McCormack and Mr Coulton will also open the Rivwest office on Talbragar Street tomorrow morning.