Local Pollies roll up their sleeves for small business

Julie Owens and Tanya Gadiel both joined more than 80 of their state and federal colleagues across New South Wales as they were put to work as part of the NSW Business Chamber's annual Pollies for Small Business program.

Julie Owens, Federal Member for Parramatta, visited local business MBE Business Centre 29 Smith St Parramatta on Tuesday 28^th July.

Tanya Gadiel, State Member for Parramatta, visited Snap Printing 69 Phillip St Parramatta on Thursday 30^th July.

President of the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce, Trevor Oldfield, said the Pollies for Small Business program is a practical way of ensuring politicians have a better understanding of what it is really like to be a small business owner.

‘"Small business plays a key role in providing jobs for local communities, so it's vital that decision-makers understand how the laws and regulations they create impact upon businesses," he said.

"From pulling a beer, to making sandwiches, serving coffee, planting trees or working in a mechanic's shop, we'll make them roll up their sleeves and get to work. It's a terrific way for MPs to see a small business first hand."

Stephen Cartwright, CEO of NSW Business Chamber said with much of the focus often on the big picture issues, some politicians can at times lose sight of the concerns of small business.

"Pollies for Small Business puts MPs at the coalface and gives business owners the chance to raise their concerns directly with their local MP.  During a global recession this opportunity has never been more important." Mr Cartwright said.

"Last year 102 State and Federal MPs took part from the major parties, greens and independents, including the Premier and NSW Opposition Leader."

"This is a great program.  It helps businesspeople and MPs understand each other better and we should encourage and support any measures that can help achieve that", Mr Cartwright said.

The NSW Business Chamber Pollies for Small Business program is run in cooperation with the local Chamber of Commerce network.