Karen and Brendon McKeown ran a local small business together. 

MANY small business owners in Penrith are still in a recovery phase, having had to take out loans to keep them alive throughout the lockdowns and restrictions. A recent Business NSW survey predicted that a staggering 30 per cent face closure.

With the state election looming, over the next few weeks I’m speaking to the Penrith candidates about their plans.  Here is the response from Labor Candidate for Penrith, Karen McKeown.

Can you please tell me what Labor will do to help small businesses and provide your thoughts?  

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Having run a small business with my husband Brendan, I know just how much hard work small business owners put in,” Ms McKeown said. 

“After 12 years in office, Dominic Perrottet and the Liberals are tired, and are more focussed on themselves than on helping local businesses.

“Labor has listened, and we have a plan to help Penrith businesses get ahead. Our Fresh Start Plan will streamline payroll tax, establish a NSW Business Bureau, make outdoor dining permanently available, and support small businesses to sell their goods and services nationally and overseas.

“Our Fresh Start Plan also includes a local supplier element to tender weightings which gives priority to small businesses in the area nearby the projects they are tendering for, increasing the threshold for direct procurement with small business from $150,000 to $250,000, and increasing the proportion of government expenditure through procurement with small business.”