Bundaberg’s small businesses have been gagged in State Parliament following a disgraceful display by Labor MP’s overnight.
The Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett once again took to the floor to voice the opinions of many local businesses after they approached his office with questions and concerns about current mandates.
“For the second time in one month I’ve stood up in parliament in an attempt to expose the lack of attention for our small businesses by the Premier and the Member for Bundaberg,” Mr Bennett said.
“Despite only sticking to the facts and raising our community’s concerns, my every word was interjected, ousted, and debated in the House last night.
“It was shameful display by some Labor MP’s.
“Under the current mandates, many of our local businesses are struggling to survive.
“They are desperately calling for help.
“The Member for Bundaberg has risen to speak about small business issues many times, but not once has he stood up for them.
“Enough is enough.
“It’s time for the people who make promises to our community to back them up and stop squibbing their opportunities.
“It’s been weeks since our business community wrote to the Premier and Mr Smith, but so far they have been completely ignored.
“When members speak in this House, they need to speak for the people they represent instead of trying to gag the truth.”
Co-organiser of two recent Business Confidence meetings Judy Plath said she feels the current restrictions are severely affecting the business community’s mental health.
“The recent data from the CCIQ cannot be ignored,” said Mrs Plath. *
“Business owners and their staff are feeling the impact of ongoing uncertainty and downturn in trade as a result of COVID-19 restrictions and it’s having a serious impact on their mental health.
“Business owners are not only concerned for their own futures, they are concerned for their staff who have car loans and house loans to cover!”
Mrs Plath said it’s time for the Queensland Government to restore confidence and positivity to the small business sector.
“Small businesses need to know their government is supporting them with real actions and policies,” she said.
“After our recent Business Confidence meetings, a group of business owners from the Childers and Bundaberg area wrote to the Premier asking her to lift the COVID restrictions and share positive messages with the broader community.
“We are still awaiting a response and are urging the Member for Bundaberg to reissue our letter to the Premier and support our call for immediate action.
“We need to relieve the pressure on small businesses by lifting restrictions and giving our community hope for the future”.
* Link to Mr Bennett’s speech: https://tv.parliament.qld.gov.au/?reference=0Mba20220329_200815
** CCIQ reports: https://www.cciq.com.au/news/now-is-the-time-for-business-vaccine-mandates-to-be-reviewed-and-removed/
ENDS.
30/03/22