THE Opposition Leader David Crisafulli recently visited wedding businesses in Maleny alongside Shadow Small and Family Business Minister Brent Mickelberg and local Member for Glass House Andrew Powell to hear the experiences of local businesses.
With our local wedding industry like many others struggling to cope with cancellations and staff isolation the LNP has called on the State Government to stop ignoring the pain of Queensland small and family businesses and their staff, and immediately implement a support package.
Mr Crisafulli said the wedding industry is one of the many small and family business sectors that’s been forgotten by the State Government.
“Staff are isolating because they can’t get tested and operators are being left with no choice but to close their doors due to the uncertainty,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“They experienced similar trading conditions through lockdowns, but right now they’ve got no support.
“After enduring almost two years of pain, we can’t let these Queenslanders fall at this hurdle.
“The State Government must come up with a support package for small and family businesses and their staff immediately.”
Local Member for Glass House Andrew Powell said it was vital the State Government enacted a support package that small businesses like wedding vendors could access.
“My electorate is home to hundreds of Queenslanders who make a living from the wedding industry,” Mr Powell said.
“These businesses have been fighting to stay afloat for the last two years and some vendors are telling me their survival is hinging on a support package.
“While they’re abiding by the restrictions, they say unofficial ‘backyard weddings’ are flourishing.
“Without an explanation and without a plan, the business owners and their staff who are doing the right thing will continue to close one by one.
“Where is the State Government on this? Where is the business support package and what’s stopping the State Government from releasing one?
“Businesses in my electorate and across Queensland want these questions answered and they want a support package today.”
Main image: David Crisafulli with Brent Mickelberg, Andrew Powell and Kelly Tilse
