David Littleproud (Maranoa, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

  Like vertebrae to a spine, small business is the strongest pillar in Australia's economy. This government is forging ahead with our 10-year enterprise tax plan and diligently working to ensure small business continues to thrive in an environment that enables them to be creative and take advantage of the opportunities around them.    This week, two small businesses supporting the Warwick community announced their plans to diversify in the local Warwick Daily News. Mark and Rosie Favero own the Belle Vue Cafe and last week they took a new and exciting step in launching the Pickle and Must delicatessen. The opening of the deli marks a very special occasion for the Faveros as they just celebrated the fifth anniversary of their running the Belle Vue Cafe.

Mark and Rosie are standing firmly behind the Warwick community and are planning to buy as many locally produced products from the beautiful Southern Downs Region. Mark and Rosie have also been able to ensure they have the dedicated employees behind them to ensure this venture is a success. A big congratulations to Mark, Rosie and the team.

Another exciting opportunity in Warwick has been created by Cathy Ryan and her sister, Kim Bailey. They are transforming the old Baringa Nursery into the Baringa Gardens and Little Kimmy's Tea Rooms. Cathy and Kim are going to offer the Warwick community a unique and beautiful garden venue with catering for those very special occasions. A big congratulations go to Cathy and Kim for seeing an opportunity and being willing to seize it.

The investment of these entrepreneurs demonstrates that if government puts the right environment around small business they will have the confidence to invest in communities like Warwick.