ENERGY costs and tax cuts dominated talks with small business owners as the Federal Member for Dunkley Chris Crewther took the Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack to the heart of his electorate today.
"It is great to be here today with the Minister to hear directly from local small business owners the opportunities and challenges they face in running their businesses," Mr Crewther said.
"Dunkley is home to over 16,000 successful small businesses which is one of the contributing factors to why we have the highest economic growth of any Victorian federal electorate.
"The Government has vigorously backed hardworking small businesses by cutting company taxes and expanding support programmes, so they can grow and reinvest in our local economy – creating local jobs in the process.
"Our local small businesses have strongly endorsed the Government’s opportunity creating small business package which is already helping them to get ahead, but there are some challenges, including the rising cost of energy.
"That’s why the Liberal and Nationals Government is tirelessly fighting to ensure the right policies are put in place to lower energy bills, so these local job creators can continue to thrive and grow the local economy."
Amidst the thriving and lively Main Street Mornington Markets, Mr Crewther and Mr McCormack met with a number of small businesses hearing directly how the Turnbull Government’s small business package is helping them prosper, create more local jobs and combat rising energy costs.
"It is fantastic to be here today with Chris Crewther a true champion and strong voice in Canberra fighting for this region," Mr McCormack said.
"Today, we have heard how the cost of energy is having an impact on the bottom line of many small businesses – the result of ideology and idiocy driven by the Labor party.
"Jobs, investment and economic growth for small business all depends on reliable and affordable power, and that is why the Government is so focused on ensuring energy security delivered through economics and engineering.
"The Turnbull Government is backing small business through tax cuts, instant asset write offs, slashing red tape and simplifying the BAS, and balancing the playing field by fixing competition policy.
"It is great to hear today how the Liberal and Nationals Government is making a difference to the 16,000 small businesses operating across the electorate of Dunkley – well represented in Canberra by Chris Crewther.
"Chris Crewther and the Turnbull Government are backing small business to grow the local economy and create local jobs."
A Small Business Forum was also held in Frankston so local businesspeople could get up-to-date information on the Government’s support for small business. You can find out more about the small business package at the small business webpage.