Karen McNamara (Dobell, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Parramatta for bringing this motion before the House. The member not only has been a strong voice for Shop Small over the past month but also has had a strong visual presence in the chamber. I have noticed the vibrant wardrobe the member has donned, and the many creative local designers from her electorate that have been showcased here in parliament—so congratulations.

I have previously supported motions in this parliament acknowledging the great steps this government is taking to support and grow our small businesses, and I am pleased to be supporting this motion. Shop small is a month-long recognition of the important role small business plays in driving the Australian economy. The campaign calls for us to think big, shop small, because small businesses do big things for us in our community.

During November we highlighted the essential pillar that small business occupies in our national economy. In the month of November Australians were urged to support local small businesses. In Dobell this is happening all year round from florists, butchers and bakeries, to mechanics, plumbers and electricians. These are just some of the small businesses that drive local employment and provide services that keep our community running. As I have stated many times, you cannot have a strong and healthy society without a strong economy to sustain it, and you do not have a strong economy without profitable businesses.

Small business is a major driver of both employment and productivity in Dobell. We have 8,491 businesses that employ fewer than 20 people. Six-hundred and nine of these businesses are in the retail trade sector; 367 are in the manufacturing sector; and 310 are in the accommodation and food services sector. These are just some of the diverse businesses that fuel our economy and provide employment to approximately 40,000 locals.

I recently met with small-business operators in the town of Kulnura, which is on the western boundary of the Dobell electorate. Kulnura is a rich, diverse agricultural location just a stone's throw away from the bustling town centres of Wyong and Gosford. The area is home to chicken farmers, environmentally sustainable vegetable growers, fruit farms and a first-class, award-winning orchid plantation. For those not familiar with the New South Wales Central Coast, it may come as a surprise that our small business community is so diverse. This is one of the unique qualities of my electorate that I am so proud of. Many of our local businesses are family operated and are looking for opportunities to grow and generate further employment. They are looking for the opportunity to give a young person their first job, to welcome back a new mother into the workforce, or provide active and meaningful employment for senior Australians.

Today's motion rightfully highlights that shopping locally helps to ensure a vibrant local community and a stronger local economy. As the member for Dobell, I have enjoyed many opportunities to promote the outstanding contribution of local small businesses and the role they play in building a vibrant community. In the window of my Parliament House office hangs the photography of Jim Picot—a photographer and owner of the Toowoon Bay pie shop. Jim's photos are award-winning and capture the natural beauty of the Central Coast—and his pies are pretty good too. Roses 2 Go is a pioneering and award-winning small business located at Woongarrah. Last month owners Nicky and Wade Mann made history, becoming the first husband and wife team to have both been awarded the prestigious Nuffield Farming Scholarship, which promotes innovative farming practices. Luka Chocolates is yet another great example of an innovative small business that has brought something unique to Dobell. Husband and wife Anton and Kate have created a wonderful place for people to experience chocolate making and to taste the handiwork of the chocolatiers. These are just three examples of the mums and dads who invest so much into the success of their small business.

I would like to thank and acknowledge the many people who have enthusiastically embraced Shop Small. Now our task is the ongoing promotion and support of our local businesses. The Australian reported earlier this month that $18 billion is expected to be spent on gifts, food and vacations this Christmas. This is a tremendous opportunity to support your local economy through supporting small business. This Christmas, before you go online to order your gifts, why not take some time to explore your local shops, find the deal you are looking for and support your local small businesses. By supporting small business, you are investing at a local level, supporting your neighbour and helping to create more local job opportunities.

In concluding, I would like to again than the member for Parramatta for moving this motion and also thank and congratulate the small businesses that operate in Dobell. Without their commitment and determination to succeed we would not have the rich and diverse community I am so proud to represent. All members of this parliament want to see small business flourish. While we may from time to time disagree on the path to take, it is abundantly clear that we understand and recognise the important role that small business plays in supporting this great country, and I commend this motion to the House.

Debate adjourned.

Sitting suspended from 13:36 to 16:05

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