SMALL BUSINESSES IN MACQUARIE

I discovered a new Macquarie small business at the Springwood Growers Market this weekend, the Blue Mountains Liquor Company whose sugar-free liqueur is made with oranges from the Hawkesbury. They were alongside many entrepreneurs who were giving a great idea a go - exactly what I did around 30 years ago. 

And the Albanese government wants to provide practical help for small businesses. Every sole trader will get a tax cut from July, every director of a small business will get a tax cut from July, and every worker in every small business will get a tax cut from July. But we're also helping businesses save on energy, with the second round of the Energy Upgrades for Small Business grant open this week in NSW, and there's a 20% bonus tax deduction available on spending for more efficient energy use. There's also Blue Mountains local Martin Rogers, delivering our free 'Digital Solutions' Programs to small businesses with support on digital commerce, security and marketing. And there's also out 'Cyber Wardens' educational program, designed to build a cyber smart small business workforce, so owners know that the whole team is more cyber alert.

These are practical things that will make a difference. Small businesses are not just the engine room of my local economy, they're also my friends and my neighbours, they're the sponsors of our schools and sporting clubs, and they're one of the reasons we love living where we do which is why I'll always shop local first.