Fiona Martin (Reid, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

When it comes to multicultural Australia, Reid is the jewel in the crown. I'm so proud of our multicultural small and medium-sized businesses in Reid. Small and family businesses are truly the lifeblood of the Reid community, and the Morrison government will always back small and family businesses—businesses like Pasticceria Papa in Five Dock, which were supported throughout the lockdowns with the help of JobKeeper and JobSaver. In August this year, the owner of Papa's, Salvatore Papa, said to me: 'This is a very tough time, but we are lucky we have government support. We need to get through this, and we will.' The people of Reid got through the lockdown, and now businesses are optimistic about a strong Christmas.

Reid is well and truly open for business. Already, in the first six days after lockdown, New South Wales consumer spending has risen 22 per cent, while bars, pubs and clubs reported a 29 per cent increase in spending. So, whether it is the barbers in Burwood or the restaurant owners in Rhodes across Reid, we are seeing the positivity of life once again returning to normal. Our family and small businesses have had a tough two years, but, as a community, we have had their backs. The government has had their backs.