Angie Bell (Moncrieff, Liberal National Party, Shadow Minister for Youth) | Hansard source

Over the past two weeks, I've been out meeting with the hardworking small businesses that are the backbone of my local community. I had the pleasure of visiting Hudson and Rosie's Table, Nerang's Highland Park Bakery, Coffee Brothers in Merrimac and Papa Rolly's in Carrara, as well as dozens of other small and family businesses. I also want to thank every small-business owner, worker and customer who took the time to speak with me at Highland Park Shopping Plaza, at Carrara Village, at Nerang Fair and at Benowa Gardens. The message was consistent wherever I went, and that is that these are incredibly tough times for customers and for small businesses alike.

After four years of this bad Labor government, Australians are paying more for almost everything. Insurance is up 39 per cent, energy is up 38 per cent, rents are up 22 per cent and food prices are up 16 per cent. Small-business operating costs continue to rise, while families facing their own cost-of-living pressure simply cannot spend like they once did. With record small-business insolvencies, many local business owners told me they are working longer hours for less reward just to keep the doors open and the lights on. More than 41,000 Australian small businesses have collapsed just in the last four years.

But, despite these challenges, what stood out most was the resilience and generosity of our community. I saw neighbours choosing to buy local; families stopping in for a coffee, a loaf of bread or lunch; and business owners who knew their customers by name and are always willing to lend a hand. These are the people who sponsor our junior sporting teams, support local charities and create local jobs. When small businesses succeed, our entire community succeeds.

Last week I had the great honour of sponsoring and attending the Gold Coast Primary Schools Boccia Competition. Participating schools included Surfers Paradise, Benowa and Ashmore. It was fantastic to see students from across our community sharing the court, encouraging one another and giving every match their absolute best. Boccia creates opportunities for children of all abilities to participate, build confidence, form friendships and be part of a team—be part of something much bigger. It was a wonderful reminder of the inclusive spirit that makes our community so special.

Last week our community proudly hosted the Bowls Australia 2026 Australian Open at the Broadbeach bowls club. This event welcomed competitors and visitors from across Australia and from around the world. Thank you to all of the event's sponsors and the City of Gold Coast for supporting this great event. Congratulations to every participant and every winner. I hope you loved your time on the Gold Coast. A very special shout-out to Pierre Westerveld, president of the Broadbeach bowls club, for all the work he and his team did to make this event a great success.

See this speech in context