Russell Matheson (Macarthur, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to pay tribute to the government's $5.5 billion Growing Jobs And Small Business package, which has already had a significant impact on my electorate of Macarthur. Following the release of the budget last month, the Assistant Treasurer the Hon. Josh Frydenberg and I visited a number of businesses in Macarthur to highlight how the government's small business package is helping small businesses invest more, grow more, and employ more people. I am pleased to inform the House that the response was overwhelmingly positive in Macarthur.

Tony and Tina, who own and operate Attz Hair Design Salon in Campbelltown, explained that the $20,000 tax depreciation write-off will enable them to buy new furniture and equipment, such as hairstyling chairs, trolleys, trays, vanities, dryers and so on, for their business. They were extremely impressed with the government's budget. Mr Frydenberg and I also met three tradies—Jeff Medley, a carpenter, and two apprentices, Mitch Bunce and Eddy Borg—who live and work in Macarthur. These three young guys were hard at work at six in the morning, subcontracting to a local builder, Dartanyon Prestige Homes. They explained that they had gone into trades, instead of staying at school for the sake of it, to take advantage of the construction and infrastructure boom in Macarthur. Going straight into apprenticeships has put Jeff, Mitch and Eddy years ahead of their peers who are only now trying to find work. These young men were super-impressed with the government's $212 million youth Transition to Work program and acknowledged that it was a great scheme assisting young people in Macarthur. Macarthur's small businesses deserve a better deal and I am delighted that the government's budget offers so much more for these hardworking and dedicated people. Our budget is good for families, good for business and good for the economy.