Ann Sudmalis (Gilmore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Recently I had the privilege of hosting 11 local entrepreneurs who were graduating from our local New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, or NEIS, which is delivered through Illawarra ITeC. I was proud to see such a passionate group of Gilmore locals, after eight weeks of intensive business management and training, ready to contribute to local employment and economic development. As someone from a small business background, and indeed as someone who grew a local small business from a back-kitchen operation to an international export standard—all based in Gilmore—I know far too well the importance of small businesses to our region. I know how much the repeal of the carbon tax will increase employment.

I particularly congratulate Margo Courtney of Seachange, Mark Luccinelli of Thunderbird Sound, Keith Stevenson of Imow Grass, Andy Dodd of Webthrive, James Ross and Julie Lewis of Wombat Woods Jams and Preserves, Tania Bezzina of Beautiful Coats and Tails Grooming Services, as well as Allira, Michael, Jillian, Brian and Margo. I also commend the efforts of Rhonda McGuire and Lynnette Kearney, who have been the teachers and mentors for this inspiring group.

In Gilmore especially, as we are a region with very high unemployment, we are crying out for new business ideas and investment. I sincerely wish all our NEIS graduates the best of luck for the future, and I look forward to seeing their businesses become some of Gilmore's best stories yet—particularly now that they will have less of a burden with the disappearance of the carbon tax. Their electricity costs will be less and they will have more money to spend on employing people.