Traders groups and small business representatives today met with Federal Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack in Traralgon.
Federal MP Darren Chester invited Minister McCormack to Gippsland for a roundtable with local traders to discuss key priorities for the small business community.
Mr Chester said it was an opportunity for traders groups to meet the Minister responsible for implementing the Australian Government’s small business agenda.
"Small businesses are vital to Gippsland’s economic success and it is important for the Minister responsible to be made aware of local issues specific to our region," Mr Chester said.
"Michael has a background in running his own small businesses and he is eager to learn more about the opportunities and challenges facing the Latrobe Valley region.
"It important small businesses continue to have a voice within government and Michael is a strong advocate for their interests in Canberra."
The future of the Latrobe Valley economy and Hazelwood Power Station was also a focus of the discussions.
Minister McCormack said the Coalition Government had already made a number of policy changes to make small businesses more competitive.
"Improving business confidence is critical to all regional communities and today was a good opportunity to hear from Latrobe Valley traders on how the Australian Government can assist them in the future," Mr McCormack said.
"The Coalition’s small business policies including the instant asset write-offs and a lowering in the company tax rate have already seen an increase in investment and jobs, and this is something I am eager to ensure happens in the Gippsland region."