Ballina Electorate Media Releases
Member for Ballina Participates in Pollies for Small Business Week (28/07/2010)
The Balcony Bar & Restaurant in Byron Bay received a ‘work-experience’ visit from the Shadow Minister for Small Business, Don Page this week as part of ‘Pollies for Small Business Week’.
Mr Page worked with Paul Waters and his team at the Balcony Bar & Restaurant in Byron Bay. The Balcony is an integral part of the social scene in Byron Bay, being a popular venue for both locals and tourists.
“The Balcony employs 50 local people and use predominantly local ingredients in their dishes,” Mr Page said.
“Byron Bay is one of the most popular destinations in the world for travellers. It is great to see businesses like the Balcony successfully cater to both locals and tourists alike,” Mr Page said.
“They are also providing valuable employment opportunities for local residents in an area with one of the highest unemployment rates in Australia,” he said.
“This week provides an opportunity to experience first hand how local businesses are travelling in the current economic climate,” he said.
“As Shadow Minister for Small Business this is a good learning experience.
“Small and medium sized businesses in New South Wales are really struggling under the current incompetent State Labor Government,” Mr Page said.
“They pay the highest payroll tax and workers compensation premiums of any State or Territory in Australia,” he said.
“This can seriously affect some business’ ability to compete with their counterparts in Queensland.
The Liberal & Nationals have announced several policy measures to help stimulate the struggling New South Wales economy, particularly in regional areas.
“Restart NSW and the Jobs Action Plan are two key strategies that the NSW Liberals and Nationals have announced to support regional businesses such as The Balcony,” Mr Page said.
“Unlike the NSW Labor Government, we recognise the importance of regional businesses to the NSW economy and we will do more to support them should we be elected to Government next March.
“I enjoyed my time at The Balcony and I applaud their dedication to their business in such difficult economic times.
“I appreciate the participation of The Balcony in the Pollies for Small Business program,” Mr Page said.
