Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP is encouraging residents of Barker to ‘Go Local First’ in the lead up to Christmas.

 

Mr Pasin said small businesses are the backbone of the Australian economy, accounting for a third of GDP, and employing around half the total workforce.

 

“Cost of living is hurting the hip pocket for everyone, small businesses included, who are feeling the pinch as interest rates and power prices continue to rise,” Mr Pasin said.

 

“Now more than ever Australian small businesses need local communities, particularly regional ones, to support them by choosing to shop local, either in person or online,” Mr Pasin said.

 

Mr Pasin was supporting small businesses in Barker through the ‘Go Local First’ campaign; a national communications campaign targeted at promoting awareness of, and support for Australia’s 3.5 million small businesses.

 

“Small businesses are deeply engaged with their communities, including through sporting clubs, local schools, social and community groups. They support our communities and it’s up to us to support them by ensuring that as much as possible, our dollars are spent locally,” Mr Pasin said.

 

“Spending with local small businesses keeps money within our communities, helping the local economy thrive,” said Mr Pasin.

 

Mr Pasin said he had recently spent time in Naracoorte on his ‘Go Local First’ campaign speaking with small businesses in the community and promoting the message to Go Local First this Christmas.

 

“Like households, our small businesses are struggling with the rising costs of energy and battling inflation and interest rate rises. Small businesses struggle to absorb these costs and more than ever we need to show our support to ensure a thriving small business community in our regions,” Mr Pasin said.

 

Thomas Shortt, President of the Naracoorte Lucindale Business and Tourism Association had a well-connected and active business community who were an integral part of the Naracoorte community.

 

“Small business in Naracoorte plays a vital role in the local community, not only providing direct economic benefits to the town in the form of employment for hundreds of workers but also the support they provide for local events. A great example of this is the fantastic contribution provided for the recent Christmas Pageant that was organised by the Naracoorte Business Association.

 

“Continued support for small business in difficult times is incredibly important for ensuring strong, vibrant and prosperous communities in our regions. This Christmas is a great opportunity for the community to support local business and make sure these great contributions continue,” Mr Shortt said.

 

Media Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8724 7730