THE nationwide small business roadshow, headed by Small Business Minister Michael McCormack, headed to Bathurst and Oberon today, as the Central West played host to two roundtables with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO).
“The Central West region, which includes parts of the Riverina electorate, is home to a vibrant small business sector. From the shops and services locals need in each town’s main street to the thousands of local farmers, stock and station agents and other employers who are also small businesses, it plays a big role in the region,” Mr McCormack said.
“I know it is small business – not Government – which creates local jobs. That’s why I want to hear those stories from the regions, to take new ideas with me as I work to cut small business taxes and make its paperwork simpler.
“This is why I am ensuring my nationwide roadshow with the ACCC, ATO and the Small Business Ombudsman has a particular focus on the regions – because we all know the stories of small business success don’t stop in Sydney’s suburbs.”
Local MP Andrew Gee said the two Calare forums are a great opportunity for local businesses to share their ideas and feedback directly with the Minister.
“Small business plays a vital role in ensuring that rural communities like Oberon and Bathurst have a vibrant local economy,” Mr Gee said.
“Small business is the biggest employer in the nation and forums like these are a great way for the Federal Minister for Small Business to hear firsthand about how small businesses in our region are going.”
Mr McCormack and Mr Gee will also drop into businesses in Oberon’s main street before touring Simplot’s factory in Bathurst this afternoon.