Local small and family business owners and operators today shared their first-hand experiences in operating during COVID with Member for Longman Terry Young and Minister for Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert.
Mr Young said the local Small Business Roundtable was an opportunity to hear directly from small and family business on how they have adapted and managed during COVID.
“Today’s Longman Small Business Roundtable provided an opportunity for local small businesses to share views and experiences with Minister Robert, particularly on how governments at all levels can assist with a small business-led economic recovery,” Mr Young said.
“It was also an opportunity to seek views on existing levels of economic supports and share the Morrison Government’s National Plan to reopen the country, keep small businesses open and trading again.”
Minister Robert said while small businesses in Longman had displayed grit and resilience through the pandemic it was clear there was significant fatigue across the sector and that existing supports were not a sustainable replacement for normal trading.
“Successful small businesses are vital to a healthy Australian economy and it is clear the sector is under significant strain right now—lockdowns and border lockouts are killing small businesses,” Minister Robert said.
“There is no sugar coating it, today was an important but difficult conversation with people who are doing it tough.”
“We need to listen to Australia’s small businesses, stick to the National Plan and open up together.”
Information about the latest COVID-19 government financial assistance and support for Australian small businesses is available at www.business.gov.au.