Terry Young (Longman, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As a former The Good Guys store owner, it's not often I would agree with our old adversary Gerry Harvey. But I do agree with Mr Harvey about the unfair playing field that currently exists for Australian owned retailers who are up against companies such as Temu and Shein. The fashion industry has probably been hit hardest, as the products are light and easy to transport. We've seen the closure of Rivers, Noni B, Millers and Rockmans, and let's not forget the thousands of small locally owned businesses that have had to close as well.

As a Liberal, I believe in a free market, but I also believe in fairness. These companies already have the advantage of extremely low wages, low energy costs, very little red tape and lower government fees and charges. We may not like these advantages that countries like China have, but that is where we have landed for various reasons. After spending over 30 years in retail, I know more than most that Australians love a bargain when they shop—but at what cost? The practice of these companies not paying their fair share of tax on profits they have made from sales in this country has to stop.

The implications of local businesses closing are far reaching. Local businesses employ locals and sponsor and support community and sporting clubs. They contribute to the communities that they serve. When was the last time you saw an underage footy team sponsored by Temu?