Media | State News

Queensland Small Business ignored in State Budget

28th June 2022

Statement by Brent Mickelberg, Shadow Minister for Small Business

Queensland small businesses were ignored in last week’s state budget with the Treasurer barely giving them a mention let alone significant funding.

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.

Shadow Minister for Small and Family Business Brent Mickelberg and Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett met with deflated business owners in Bundaberg today, who are feeling let down by the State Government.

“This is a real slap in the face to the thousands of Queensland small business owners who have put their blood, sweat and tears into staying afloat these last couple of years,” Mr Mickelberg said.

“Now is the time for them to grow their businesses but chump change from the State Government won’t help the cause, especially when costs are skyrocketing.

“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.

“It’s clear the State Government has no real plan for small business which is disappointing when they are the lifeblood of each community, especially in places like Bundaberg and the Burnett.”

Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett says Bundaberg small businesses are feeling the pressure of cost-of-living expenses.

“We have just shy of 3,000 small businesses in Bundaberg and another 3,600 in the Burnett.

“Small and family businesses are huge employers in the region and without them, we’d be in real trouble.

“I’m disappointed that small businesses were ignored in the State Budget. They deserve better after battling for so long.”