‘Critical’ reason MPs need to visit Toowoomba’s small businesses

A community leader has stressed the importance of getting Ministers out to the regions to visit distressed local business owners struggling after the pandemic.

Queensland Government Estimates hearings at parliament – Di Farmer Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development. Picture David Clark

A government minister’s visit to Toowoomba has been a major step forward in having the voices of small business owners heard and, more importantly, understood.

Small Business Minister Di Farmer stopped over in Toowoomba during a small business roadshow where she met with local business owners and assessed the damage caused by the pandemic.

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce President Harrison Humphries met with Ms Farmer, and said it was important for the organisation to be a champion for businesses in Toowoomba.

“It is important that the Chamber, as the independent voice of business in Toowoomba, voices the challenges of our small business community, which the State Government can influence,” he said.

“While we raised the critical issues of youth unemployment, employability skills development and the need to rethink funding models for trainees, we congratulated the Minister on the permanency of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner.

“We look forward to the findings of the Queensland Small Business Roadshow, and their implementation for the benefit of Toowoomba.”