Shadow Minister Media Releases
NSW Labor Government Lacks Commitment To Small Business (28/05/2010)
The NSW Premier Kristina Keneally’s recent cabinet reshuffle highlights the State Government’s lack of commitment to small business the Shadow Minister for Small Business, Don Page said today.
Since April 2007 there have been six Ministers appointed to the portfolio of Small Business.
“What sort of message is this sending to small business owners in NSW?” Mr Page asked.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the NSW economy and the State Government’s attitude towards them is appalling,” he said.
“The fact the NSW Government has handballed this portfolio six times since April 2007 shows small business owners it places no importance on their issues.
In addition NSW Labor invariably gives this portfolio to their most junior Minister.
“35 percent of small businesses in Australia are based in NSW and they employ more than 1-million people,” Mr Page said.
“The NSW Labor Government is more preoccupied with moving people in and out of portfolios than running the State and making sure it is leading the way in terms of job creation, investment and economic prosperity,” Mr Page said.
“Does the NSW Government realise there are 443,000 small businesses in NSW and does it understand that this equates to 97 percent of businesses in this state?” Mr Page asked.
“Because of the contribution small business makes to the NSW economy I believe this is one of the most important portfolios in Government.
“The Labor Government obviously doesn’t think so, moving Ministers in and out of the portfolio six times since 2007.
“If that’s not insulting enough to small business operators – the newest Minister, Frank Terenzini, in his first term as an MP, announced earlier this year he would not be standing for re-election in March next year.
“Premier Keneally obviously holds the portfolio of Small Business with scant regard.
“Why else would she appoint Mr Terenzini to the portfolio when he has no desire to stay in State politics after March 2011.
“Mr Terenzini announced in February this year he was resigning from politics and would not be contesting the next election,” Mr Page said.
“Small business owners need a State Government that values their contribution and is proactive in supporting their ability to create more jobs and opportunities in that sector,” Mr Page said.
