GUILDFORD-based Liberal MLC Anthony Spagnolo has welcomed Opposition spokesperson for Small Business Steve Martin MLC to Midland, giving him the opportunity to hear firsthand about the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses.
Mr Spagnolo and Mr Martin visited the Commercial Bar and Kitchen, where they met with owner Kevin Bartholomew and Swan Chamber of Commerce President Mike Matich to discuss the experience of running a small business in Midland and the opportunities for the local economy.
Mr Spagnolo said it was great to have Mr Martin visit Midland and hear directly from people with firsthand knowledge of the local commercial environment.
“Midland has a strong local economy and enormous potential, so it was fantastic to have Steve here and for him to hear firsthand about the opportunities and challenges facing small business in Midland,” Mr Spagnolo said.
“We had a really productive discussion with Kevin and Mike about what local operators are experiencing and what we can do to help them succeed.
“I’m a strong believer in Midland and I want to see more people investing here, more enterprises opening their doors and our existing businesses having the confidence to grow.”
Commercial Bar and Kitchen owner Kevin Bartholomew said increasing costs and additional requirements were putting the pressure on.
“We’re concerned with the constant extra, extra, extra on small businesses,” Mr Bartholomew said.
“We’ve got the highest payroll tax in the country here in WA. We announce a surplus every year, and we don’t understand why some of that can’t go towards taking the pressure off small businesses.
“Instead, we’re seeing new measures introduced by the government that continue to put more and more pressure on operators that are already doing it tough.
“It just seems like small business isn’t even part of the conversation anymore.”
Mr Martin said it was important to hear directly from people on the ground.
“This State Labor government doesn’t get small business; they don’t care about small business and there was nothing in the recent budget for small business.”
Swan Chamber of Commerce president Mike Matich said Midland was a great place to invest and had significant potential for further growth.
“We have passionate local operators, a growing community and a town centre with a lot to offer.
“It was great to have the (Opposition spokesperson) for Small Business here in Midland and taking the time to listen to the experiences of people on the ground.”
