Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan, was joined by NSW Shadow Minister for Small Business, Ms Jenny Aitchison, and other Central Coast Labor MPs for a small business roundtable at The Entrance Leagues Club, on Friday, May 25.
“Labor has continuously voiced concerns about the Sydney-centric Liberal Government’s lack of attention to the needs of the Central Coast,” Mr Mehan said. “The opposition has already pledged to re-constitute the neglected Central Coast Regional Development Corporation along the lines of the Greater Sydney Commission, with a locally based Commissioner, staff and offices, to ensure a regional focus on jobs growth, sustainability and housing,” he said. “The roundtable was an opportunity for Labor to engage further with small business owners to shape a response to the issues faced by them on the Central Coast.”
Participants agreed to continue discussions with a view to developing a plan to assist Central Coast small business owners to stay prosperous. “Life hasn’t gotten any easier for small business after eight years of a Coalition Government,” Mr Mehan said. “I appreciate the opportunities to hear the views of Central Coast small businesses as Labor develops its policies for next year’s State Election,” he said. Ms Aitchison said: “It was great to hear from Central Coast small business operators about how Government can improve the way they deal with them.
“We heard from a broad spectrum, but every one of the owners highlighted the need for access to better financial training for new business owners, and ongoing mentoring and support. “Small businesses on the Coast are essential to our economic development. “It’s great to see such energetic local members like Mr David Harris, Mr David Mehan and Ms Liesl Tesch, working with their local small businesses to improve their community.” Mr Harris said: “It was great to hear from some successful local businesses what challenges they face and how their challenges and interfaces with Government can be improved.
“Small Businesses are the biggest employers on the Coast and we are keen to develop policies that make it easier for them to do business.” Member for Gosford, Ms Liesl Tesch, said: “Small and local businesses are the backbone of our economy, and our community, here on the Coast.” “We need to ensure small businesses are getting the resources and assistance they need to grow and thrive in an ever-changing economy. “Governments need to create the opportunities that businesses can use to leverage the advantages we have here on the Coast – a growing population, links and proximity to Sydney and Newcastle, fibre-to-the-premises NBN in our centres, and our wonderful environment and lifestyle – so businesses can flourish.”
Source: Media release, May 28 David Mehan, Member for The Entrance