Fiona Martin (Reid, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I rise in support of the many Chinese Australian and Korean Australian businesses in my electorate of Reid who are facing significant challenges as a result of the outbreak of coronavirus. Many small businesses in Rhodes, Strathfield and Burwood have been impacted by lower customer numbers and fewer overseas visitors over the lunar new year. Businesses have also been impacted by disruptions to their supply chain on imported goods and materials from affected countries. I have written to the Treasurer and to the Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business in support of these businesses, and I also attended a round table discussion with the Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs to voice the concerns of our community.

I now call more broadly on our community to support Chinese Australian and Korean Australian businesses in the best way we can. This month I ask you, if you're dining out with family or friends or if you're out shopping in our area, to consider eating at our Chinese and Korean restaurants or buying goods from a shop that may be doing it tough. While usual good hygiene practices should, of course, be maintained, there is no reason to avoid public spaces. So, if you have not been exposed to coronavirus, please go out and dine out. Please remember: Burwood is open for business, as is Rhodes and as is Strathfield, and I encourage you to show your support for the multicultural communities at this challenging time.