Queensland small businesses were ignored in last month’s state budget, with the Treasurer barely giving them a mention, let alone significant funding (or anything else). Less than $40 million was budgeted to grants and mentoring programs over four years, with only $1 million of that allocated to the coming 2022/23 financial year. Small and family businesses are the backbone of our economy. They employ thousands of people in the Scenic Rim. They have put their blood, sweat and tears into staying afloat these last couple of years. With costs of so many things increasing, there is a role for government to play in bringing some relief from costs. There was no relief for small businesses in the budget for rising power bills. After wages and rent, electricity is the biggest cost to a small business. Instead, we have seen accusations made that the government-owned power generators are ‘gaming’ the market to drive up their profits – which then flows through to people’s power bills.

I’ve written it here before, but it is worthwhile saying it again. Government everywhere should make it easier for these businesses to grow – get rid of the red tape, the costs and the regulations – so they can create more jobs for our community.

The planning system is an example of costs – through professional advice, reports and other fees and charges – that deter some people from having a go in starting or expanding their venture. Imagine if we could aim for each small business in the Scenic Rim to be able to afford to employ another person – that would create a couple of thousand jobs locally! Of course, not every business can do it overnight, but what I’m saying is we need to get the conditions right so that when growth is possible, jobs can be added, and another person and their family can go ahead.

FIRE SAFETY THIS WINTER
Did you know that winter is the peak season for housefires? Most fires are caused by everyday items such as cooking equipment, faulty or poorly maintained appliances, and flammable materials placed too close to heat sources. When heat and toxic smoke start to fill your home, your best chance of survival will be working, interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms and a well-practised fire escape plan. Take five minutes now to get out alive. Young children and the elderly are the most at risk, so it’s especially important to consider how they will escape safely. Make it a priority this winter to draw up an escape plan with multiple exits based on the location of the fire and practice it regularly with your family.

As your State representative, I am always urging the National Parks Department to do more when it comes to hazard reduction burns in order to ensure that State land does not cause unnecessary danger to residents. Controlled burns with the aim of reducing fuel loads before are always welcomed in the right conditions.

SCENIC RIM ELECTORATE OFFICE
You can contact me by phone, toll-free, on 1800 813 960, or email scenicrim@parliament.qld.gov.au, so I can lobby on your behalf in Brisbane. In an electorate as large as the Scenic Rim, there are lots of issues and I appreciate your feedback that helps me do my job as well as possible.