NSW Labor leader Chris Minns says small local businesses deserve continued government support to get through the transition from the lockdown.
Speaking after visiting Seta’s Café in Dumaresq Street, Campbelltown yesterday, Mr Minns said he was very concerned the government has “announced or is contemplating switching off financial support for businesses like Seta’s when we hit 80 per cent vaccination rates’’.
“The NSW opposition is calling on the government today to reverse course in relation to that, to give some business certainty, particularly for Western and South Western Sydney, who’ve been hit particularly hard,’’ he said.
“If you look at Seta and businesses that we’re seeing right throughout Campbelltown, they closed their doors, they listened to the government health advice, they followed the rules in order to keep us safe and we’ve gotten through this largely intact because of their selfless actions.
“Now it’s time for the NSW Government to step up and have their back when we go through this challenging economic periods through October and November.”
He was backed by his colleague, local MP Greg Warren, who hosted Mr Minns during the visit.
“Campbelltown, like the rest of South Western and Western Sydney has felt the impacts of Covid-19 greater than any other area throughout our state,’’ he said.
“We have certainly done our bit to help curb the spread of Covid-19 despite the lack of support and resources afforded to us by the NSW Government.
“I have been immensely proud of how our community has dealt with the numerous setbacks we have faced.”
Federal member for Macarthur Dr Mike Freelander also joined Mr Minns and Mr Warren during the visit.
At Campbelltown Showground (pictured) they met with Campbelltown Harlequins Rugby Club president, Col Packer, to discuss how the cancellation of community sport had impacted local clubs.
The Lomandra Community Pantry was the next strop for Mr Minns, followed by a visit to Clentons Transport in Smeaton Grange to discuss the impact of the new toll on the old M5 East on the transport industry.